Question 1 is a $28,500,000 bond for the state's School Revolving Renovation Fund for repairs and improvements in public school facilities. Question 2 asks approval of a $34,970,000 bond issue to stimulate growth, renovate buildings, defend against terrorism in Maine and promote tourism. There are 11 items explaining the requests for funding under this question.

Piscataquis County voters might want to look closely at items 10 and 11 under Question 2. That's where funding is requested to assist the Moosehead Marine Museum in renovating its flagship, the Kathadin and to fix up the Center Theater in downtown Dover-Foxcroft.

Richard "Duke" McKeil, executive director of the museum, said the $30,000 request will go toward a $100,000 project aimed at refurbishing the deck and superstructure of the "Kate."

In her heyday, the Katahdin was a grand old lady. The Coburn Steamboat Company operated a fleet of as many as eight steamers on Moosehead Lake. Founded in 1892, the company ran these boats on regular schedules, connecting with trains at Greenville Junction and Kineo Station They carried mail, passengers and freight and were the link between one section of Moosehead with another since roads had not yet been constructed around the lake. Steamboat excursions from Greenville to Mt. Kineo House were a common sight in the 1920's and 30's.

The Coburn Company sold out to Great Northern Paper Co. and the Kate became a tow boat, hauling logs first for Great Northern and then Scott Paper Co. Her last tow was made in the fall of 1975 for Scott Paper and the company later turned ownership of the Kate over to the museum

The restored ship is now a major tourist attraction and McKeil said her presence and restored excursions are important, not only in relation to the history of boating on Moosehead Lake but also for the economic well-being of Piscataquis County.

Under Item 11 on the ballot, a non-profit organization is seeking $500,000 for the restoration of the Center Theater in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. Plans for this historic and regional landmark call for the creation of a performing arts center that will provide education, entertainment and cultural enrichment for the people who visit, live and work in Piscataquis County. The performing arts center will provide a major regional venue for the many exciting emerging local arts groups, such as the community theaters in Milo, Dexter, and Greenville and the Buie School of Music. Also the organization envisions drawing artists and performers from around the state and the country, Rollin Thurlow, Center Theater Inc.'s chairman recently explained. The group has recently signed a purchase agreement with the building's owner.

The movie house was built after a disastrous fire destroyed the New Star Theater Jan. 17, 1940. The theater reached its peak during World War II until the popularity of television marked its decline during the 1950s, forcing its closure in 1971. The theater still retains a stage and many outstanding art deco features. The organization's ultimate goal is to complete an historic restoration and at the same time build an ongoing and varied arts program. "We envision the Center as much more than just a movie house," spokesperson Erin Callaway said recently.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Moosehead Messenger and is used here with permission."