In an attempt to aid the starving people of Belgium during World War I, Joseph E. Hall of the Aroostook Board of Trade corresponded with Percy R. Todd, President of the Bangor & Aroostook Rail Road Company. In November and December of 1914, they planned the donation of potatoes as relief for those in need overseas.
There were two intentions for the potatoes. Some were to be sold by the Produce Exchange to New York, with all of the proceeds to be donated to Belgium and some potatoes were to be shipped overseas to feed the hungry.

As of January 1, 1915, potatoes had arrived by train in Boston and were being prepared to be shipped overseas on the Steamship "Harpelyce".