Recognize this man?
Since Friends of Pettingill was formed 17 months ago to encourage and guide the development of a city park at the site of the former Pettingill School on College Street in Lewiston, members of the organization have been working to find a photograph of the school and park’s namesake, Lee Duren Pettingill. They finally tracked down the college graduation photo shown below with the help of Bowdoin College.
L.D. Pettingill was born on August 26, 1894 in Fairfield, Maine, the son of Alvah G. and Ellen Duren Pettingill. He graduated from Jordan High School in Lewiston and was a 1916 graduate of Bowdoin College. A chemist by profession, he worked for the Pepperell Manufacturing Co. and the Lewiston Bleachery and Dye Works.
While serving as a Ward 2 Alderman, Pettingill began the campaign that ultimately resulted in the erection of Pettingill Elementary School in 1926. His family resided nearby at 378 College Street.
Pettingill was a veteran of World War I, serving overseas and holding the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He passed away in September of 1952. He was survived by his children, Lee Duren Pettingill, Jr., Corporal Robert Pettingill (U.S. Air Force), and Cynthia Pettingill Welsch.