Roland W. Paige, Winnacunnet road, became Hampton's third "Man of the Year" when he was accorded the honors during ceremonies at the Precinct - Hampton Beach Chamber of Commerce banquet Tuesday evening. The presentation of the plaque was made by the chairman of the award committee, Charles "Ben" Butler.

Award nomination forms were sent out to 58 local civic, social and service groups within Hampton, Hampton Falls and North Hampton and the response of nominations this year was the greatest in the three-year history of the award. Others, in addition to Mr. Paige who received consideration through their nominations included Joe Pellegrino, Irving "Soup" Campbell, Fred Gagne, George Downer, Clifford Eastman, Sr. and Capt. Lloyd Ring.

Mr. Paige was nominated many times by various groups and organizations of Hampton primarily for outstanding services and deeds for the benefit and good of the members of the community.

Mr. Butler, in his presentation of the plaque noted that, "While most of his worthwhile activities have been under the auspices of and in the name of Post 35 American Legion, they have, as will be noted, added comfort and brought happiness to many, many individuals and families of our community.

"He was the original chairman, and has served ever since, either as chairman or the hardest working member of the committee for the annual Children's Day at Tuck Field on the 4th of July ....

"For many years, he has been the chairman of the American Legion Christmas party for children held each December. He has served as Boy Scout Troop committeeman for Troop 177 since 1947, devoting an average of six nights a month for ten months per year to this fine work. He was the organizer and has continued to work several times a year with the Boy Scouts on paper drives, the main source of income and equipment for the troop.

"He has served as general chairman of the Memorial Day ceremonies in the three Hamptons for many years, serving in this capacity in 1963. The outstanding Memorial Day exercises and services have required many, many hours of diligent and dedicated preparation."

Mr. Butler particularly emphasized the fact that "his contributions to our community have been done quietly, many times confidentially, but these, services have been consistent and untiring over the years. They are a type of service to which many people do not give a thought, but for which the recipients are eternally grateful. Our 'Man of the Year' has probably purchased and mailed more 'get well', 'sympathy' and 'congratulation' cards than any, other person in this area. All these things have been done without any anticipation of recognition, thanks, or praise. All have been done with no chance of receiving financial pay for the doing."

Mr. Butler went on to cite Mr. Paige as "one of the quiet workers, one of the enthusiastic workers, one of the dedicated workers of our community...." Roland W. Paige takes his place along side the names of, the first winner, the late James W. Tucker, Sr. and the second winner, Sen. Douglass Hunter as the third "Man of the Year" of the Hamptons.