In 1999, Cape Elizabeth celebrated the 100th anniversary of Fort Williams.
This website was devoted to those 100 years, and the celebration activities that took place.
This archived section is provided for historical interest.
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3-inch anti-aircraft gun of the 240th Regiment behind Battery Blair (photo courtesy Ken Thompson Jr.) |
WE NEED YOUR HELP !How can YOU be a part of the Fort Williams Centennial Celebration? BY MAKING A CONTRIBUTION OR HELPING RAISE FUNDS The Committee is working hard to raise the funds needed for this Celebration. We are raising money for the Battery Blair Permanent Memorial, walking tours, ice cream socials and band concerts. We also need money for the big Celebration Day on July 24. This will include: an opening parade, military marching bands, a pancake breakfast, historical exhibits and re-enactments, entertainment, a "chow line" supper, fireworks and more. ALL contributions are gratefully welcomed. However, special recognition is being planned for:
Funding is needed NOW -- so we can complete the planning for this historic celebration. The Centennial Celebration is being organized and paid for by people in the community of Cape Elizabeth and by businesses. Please consider doing your part to help! BY VOLUNTEERING FOR A COMMITTEE The following committees are working on the Centennial and could use your assistance (names of committee chairs are listed with phone numbers; CALL THEM! Please!: ___ Fund Raising -- help is needed to contact businesses and individuals to raise the approximately $100,000 needed to fund the Centennial events. No Town/Tax money is being used; all expenses are paid for by fund raising. Chair: Jeff Van Fleet, 767-6296. ___ Kickoff Event (April 13) -- a reception for community officials and the media, on the actual day on which the Fort was named in 1899, with music, food, etc. Barbara Sanborn, 799-7944. ___ Celebration Day (July 24) -- a full day of family fun, featuring fireworks, a parade, historic re-enactments, entertainment and music and military bands, people in period costumes, walking tours, food, activities for children, ice cream socials, and many other activities including the dedication of a permanent memorial. This committee is working on making all the arrangements. Ellyne Fleshner of Fleshner Events, 797-5982. ___ Ongoing events -- this committee coordinates the Centennial with the other events -- such as band concerts, PSO concert on June 30, British Auto Show, Memorial Day parade, Cape High School graduation, Family Fun Day, the Beach-to-Beacon 10K race, Engine 1 Art Show, etc. -- scheduled in Fort Williams for 1999. Al Barthelman, 799-6021. ___ Permanent Memorial -- funds are being raised, and a design is being planned, for a memorial that will permanently recognize those who served at the Fort and those who died serving our country. The Memorial is being planned for the Battery Blair location. Paul Phillipps, 775-4386. ___ History -- this committee is working to research and prepare historical materials and photos/illustrations pertinent to the history of Fort Williams. Jeff Barker, 799-3692. ___ Military -- this committee is working to provide liaison with military organizations, especially those involved in service at the Fort. This committee also is coordinating with modern military units for their participation in the Celebrations. Betty Crane, 799-6622. ___ Merchandising -- a committee preparing keepsake items that will be remembrances of the early days of Fort Williams, and be a souvenir of this historic 100th Anniversary Year. Clinton Blood, 773-5661. ___ Ice Cream Social -- there will be an ice cream social at all major events during the summer, and one on Celebration Day (July 24). A committee is making the arrangements. Sally Hinckley, 799-2235. CHECK OFF ONE OR MORE OF THE ABOVE COMMITTEES AND THEN, PLEASE, VOLUNTEER FOR A COMMITTEE BY CONTACTING ITS CHAIR OR: AL BARTHELMAN AT 799-6021 (or email at ALB@IME.NET).
BY PARTICIPATING IN RELATED COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: ___ Clean up and help "discover" areas of significance at the Fort. ___ Involve our schools in educational activities about the Fort. ___ Educate ourselves about the rich history of the Fort. There will be walking tours, a coloring book for youngsters, and a new book has just been published titled Portland Head Light and Fort Williams. ___ Simply tell your friends and neighbors about all the Centennial activities that will be happening in 1999. BY HELPING WITH THE "REUNION": Were you stationed there? Do you know anyone who was stationed there? If so, please contact the chair of the History Committee or Al Barthelman at 799-6021 (or email at ALB@IME.NET). |