Chester Pettengill is presented with a plaque from Casco Bay Lines. For several decades, he served as island school custodian, fetcher of mail, greeter of ferries and "guardian angel" of Cliff Island. On Saturday, islanders and others showed their thanks at a surprise birthday gathering.
Cliff Island residents and friends gather Saturday at the ferry landing to surprise and honor Chester Pettengill as he turns 80.
Chester Pettengill gets a kiss from his cousin Kimberly Clark Stanhope of Brownfield during his 80th birthday celebration on Cliff Island on Saturday.
Nick Mavadones of Casco Bay Lines presents Chester Pettengill with a plaque with a nautical bell for his service to Cliff Island. “Chester is the spirit of Cliff Island,” one resident said.
Well-wishers greet Chester Pettengill on Cliff Island on Saturday. Pettengill’s great-great-grandfather Samuel, an Englishman, settled the island in 1813.
People gather outside Jenn's Store on Cliff Island to give a farewell to Chester Pettengill after treating him to cake on his 80th birthday.
Local & State 
