These 12 Rare Photos Show Maine S Potato Farming History Like Never Before

Maine has a lot of history. But, our farming history doesn’t get a lot of talk unless you’re a student learning about the history of the state. Aroostook County is an often overlooked part of Maine, but it’s where so much of our history has taken place. From battles to logging to even potatoes!

The boom of Maine’s potato production was in the 1940s when the state was the top producer in the country. In 1994 we’d lost our #1 rank (we moved to #8) but the industry was a key part of our prosperity until then. The rural land was dotted with large farms and fertile land, which can still be seen today.

To celebrate the contributions that the potato has made on our state and its economic prosperity, we hold some great annual festivals. The most notable is The Maine Potato Blossom Festival, which coincides with the arrival of the first blossoms on the season’s potato crop.

But, long before this celebration of blossoms was The First International Potato Barrel Rolling Contest in Presque Isle. Here are some great vintage photos of this event from 1940!

Poster distributed throughout Aroostook County by the potato growers association advertising the barrel rolling contest in Presque Isle.

Jack Delano LC-USF347-041729 / Library of Congress

James Day, the ace barrel roller and idol of Aroostook boys, lost in the contest.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041732 / Library of Congress

The Grand Parade gets underway before the big competition.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041788 / Library of Congress

The County came out in droves to watch the much anticipated event.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041740 / Library of Congress

Spectators await the excitement outside of the O’Niel Gagnon Barber Shop.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041745 / Library of Congress

Schoolgirls with potatoes are pleased as punch to be involved in the parade.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041763 / Library of Congress

This giant “potato” was supposed to open and reveal an elaborate band. Unfortunately, the mechanism kept getting stuck.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041736 / Library of Congress

Nope, still not open.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041741 / Library of Congress

Finally! These drum majorettes were revealed when the giant wood and paper potato was opened.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041759 / Library of Congress

This “Pototem” pole standing in the main street of Presque Isle was an advertisement for the barrel rolling contest.

Jack Delano LC-USF347-041766 / Library of Congress

Getting ready for the boys’ barrel rolling contest which preceded the men’s competition.

Jack Delano LC-USF34-041743 / Library of Congress

After the conclusion of the barrel rolling contest, the streets cleared for an evening program with lots of dancing.

Jack Delano LC-USF347-041735 / Library of Congress

All this potato talk making you hungry? Check out our list of the best Maine sandwiches!