Cape Elizabeth in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Daily Life
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2018
1. Daily Life Marker
Inscription.
Daily Life. . After World War I, Fort Williams was placed on caretaker status as a coast artillery post, and became home to the 5th Infantry Regiment upon its return from occupation duty in Germany in 1922. The 5th remained at the fort until 1939, longer than any other military unit. In addition to their required military exercises, some officers and enlisted men and women at the fort sought recreational pursuits to promote physical fitness and hone competitive spirit, forming athletic teams including baseball, basketball, football, and track.
These photos depict just a few of the activities that took place over the years at Fort Williams. Arriving via steamship in 1922, the 5th Infantry soon became well known to the community, which enjoyed the talents of the regiment's band and athletic teams. The 240th and 8th Coast Artillery Regiments also had baseball teams which competed against other military and civilian teams. The post chapel offered Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish services. Summer field days offered a respite from the daily regimen. When off duty, personnel relaxed at a NCO club in the Goddard Mansion. When the 5th Infantry left Fort Williams in 1939, it was replaced by the newly formed 68th Coast Artillery Regiment.
After World War I, Fort Williams
was placed on caretaker status as a
coast artillery post, and became
home to the 5th Infantry Regiment
upon its return from occupation
duty in Germany in 1922. The 5th
remained at the fort until 1939,
longer than any other military unit.
In addition to their required
military exercises, some officers and
enlisted men and women at the fort
sought recreational pursuits to
promote physical fitness and hone
competitive spirit, forming athletic
teams including baseball, basketball,
football, and track.
These photos depict just a few of
the activities that took place over
the years at Fort Williams. Arriving
via steamship in 1922, the 5th
Infantry soon became well known
to the community, which enjoyed
the talents of the regiment's band
and athletic teams. The 240th
and 8th Coast Artillery Regiments
also had baseball teams which
competed against other military
and civilian teams. The post
chapel offered Protestant,
Catholic, and Jewish services.
Summer field days offered a
respite from the daily regimen.
When off duty, personnel relaxed
at a NCO club in the Goddard
Mansion. When the 5th Infantry
left Fort Williams in 1939, it
was replaced by the newly formed
68th Coast Artillery Regiment.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles
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• Sports • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 43° 37.349′ N, 70° 12.59′ W. Marker is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, in Cumberland County. Marker is on Shore Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Elizabeth ME 04107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battery Blair (here, next to this marker); National Guard (here, next to this marker); Fort Williams (here, next to this marker); A Town Within A Town (here, next to this marker); CCC Headquarters (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Fort Williams (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battery Blair (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Elizabeth.
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2018
2. Daily Life Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2018
3. Daily Life Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, July 2, 2018
4. Daily Life Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 5, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on November 28, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
