RECEIVES CERTIFICATE--James Corapi received a certificate of appreciation from the
Washburn Rotary Club President Milford Libby, Wednesday evening when the club observed
James Corapi night. The evening commemorated the 50th anniversary of his business, a grocery
store, in Washburn. (Sperry Photo)
Corapi, a native of Italy, came to Washburn with the coming of the railroad in 1913 setting up his first grocery store next to the Aroostook Valley Railroad Station in November 1913 on North Main Street. Later he moved his store to South Main Street where after fifty years he is still in business.
During the proceedings Wednesday evening, town manager for Washburn, thanked Corapi for his services to the town in his store capacity and for tending of the fire alarm calls for the town. Corapi has the tending of the fire calls and the responsibility for ringing the 9 p.m. curfew every evening in Washburn.
In charge of the program was Malcolm Holts, a grocery store owner from Perham, who explained the hard work of Corapi keeping his store open for the people seven days a week. He read a letter from Congressman Clifford McIntire congratulating Corapi on his success and anniversary.
Gerald Cole, a local store owner, representing the businesses in Washburn spoke about Corapi's good deeds to charity, especially during the depression days.
Laurel Thompson, a local banker, spoke also and told of Corapi's being a first generation immigrant.
Another speaker on the program was Clifford McGaughy, superintendent of Mars Hill, Blaine, and Bridgewater schools. McGaughy was the former superintendent of Washburn schools. He told of living with Corapi during his school years and of the help he was toward his education. A cake made by Mrs. Doris Philbrook was served to the group. Corapi after coming to Washburn from Italy never has been back to his native country, though he still has relatives there.