Cape Elizabeth MR - Revision history

J. Malcolm: Added link to facebook page

2026-08-29T02:35:09Z

Added link to facebook page

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 28 August 2026
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	== Present ==		== Present ==
	In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were purchased by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In ~~1995~~ an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 the battery is open for monthly public tours. Future plans include opening the Battery Commanders tower ~~was~~ well. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. A fee is charged at the park.		In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were purchased by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In 1996 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 the battery is open for monthly public tours. Future plans include opening the Battery Commanders tower as well. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. A fee is charged at the park.

	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===
	[https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park]		[https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park]

			[https://www.facebook.com/people/Battery-201/61592323065127/ Battery 201 Facebook Page]

	[https://www.archives.gov/ National Archives]		[https://www.archives.gov/ National Archives]
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	[https://cdsg.org/ Coast Defense Study Group]		[https://cdsg.org/ Coast Defense Study Group]

	[https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/me3.html American ~~Fort~~ Network]		[https://www.northamericanforts.com/East/me3.html American Forts Network]

J. Malcolm: Quick overhaul on page.

2026-06-20T16:27:44Z

Quick overhaul on page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 20 June 2026
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	Loc. 158 Cape Elizabeth was a WWII gun battery, fire control and radar site in Cape Elizabeth ME.		Loc. 158 Cape Elizabeth was a WWII gun battery, fire control and radar site in Cape Elizabeth ME.
	[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]		[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|~~Reservation Plan~~]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Layout 1945.]]
	The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used existing residences as barracks and officers quarters. A 100 foot long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B.		The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used two existing residences as barracks and officers' quarters. A 100-foot-long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B, and two other buildings were constructed next to Battery 201.

	== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==		== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==
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	=== Site 1B The Silo ===		=== Site 1B The Silo ===
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]
	This Fire Control Tower was built in ~~1943~~ as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style Fire Control station. The farmhouse used as a recreation building, burned ~~shortly after~~ the ~~tower's completion~~. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.		This Fire Control Tower was built in 1942 as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination in 1942. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style Fire Control station. The adjacent farmhouse was occupied by its owner, and the barn was used as a recreation building. In 1945 the barn burned and the house was subsequently destroyed. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.



	=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===		=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===
	The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held ~~the~~ SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The ~~faux water tank~~ was removed around 1946 ~~along with the radar~~. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">		The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held a SCR-296 radar for Battery 201. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted reddish brown. The radar was removed around 1946. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point, eventually the faux water tank disappeared as well. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR 21~~.jpg\|~~alt=~~		File:L158 2A FC Lighthouse.jpg\|View from Beacon Ln.
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level.
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21~~.~~jpg\|Access Ladder~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Spiral stairs in the lighthouse.
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|~~Lighthouse Stairs~~		File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration in 1983.
	File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration ~~taken~~ in 1983.
	~~File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>


	=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===		=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===
	In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings survived into the 1950s.<center~~><gallery mode="nolines" heights="100">~~		[[File:L158 3A SCR 296 footings 8-19-24.jpg\|left\|thumb\|SCR 296 Footers 2024.]]
	~~File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site~~		[[File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|261x261px\|1946 image.]]
	~~File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view~~
	~~</gallery~~></center>		In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings survived into the 1950s.<center></center>


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	== Battery 201 ==		== Battery 201 ==

	Construction began on Battery 201 in ~~1942~~, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery ~~had~~ two 6-inch shielded guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105 pounds could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-~~hover" heights="75~~">		Construction began on Battery 201 in 1943, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery was to have two 6-inch shielded guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105 pounds could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery. <center><gallery mode="packed-overlay">
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance~~		File:158 201 emp1 entrance 5-23-26.jpg\|Emplacement 1
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 10.jpg\|Emplacement 1
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR 09~~.jpg\|Emplacement #1 ~~Entrance~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 05.jpg\|Emplacement 2
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 10.jpg\|Emplacement #1		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 06.jpg\|Emplacement 2
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 05.jpg\|Emplacement #2 ~~Entrance~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 11.jpg\|Air vent
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 06.jpg\|Emplacement #2		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Center entrance
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 11.jpg\|~~Vent Shaft~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 07.jpg\|Breaker box
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR ~~(2) 09~~.jpg\|~~Reproduction Doors~~		File:158 201 plotting room facing swb 5-23-26.jpg\|Plotting Room
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 04.jpg\|~~Shell Room~~		File:158 201 generator room 5-23-26 (2).jpg\|Generator room
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 01~~.jpg\|~~Compressor~~ Room
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR~~ (2) 27.jpg\|Generator ~~Room~~
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 05.jpg\|Plotting Room~~
	~~File:Battery201FOF.jpg\|Field of Fire~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>
			[[File:158 201 emp1 azimuth scope 5-23-26.jpg\|thumb\|237x237px\|Azimuth scope set up during public tours.]]

	== Present ==		== Present ==
	~~[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 03.jpg\|thumb\|245x245px\|Battery 201 Central Entrance]]~~		In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were purchased by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In 1995 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 the battery is open for monthly public tours. Future plans include opening the Battery Commanders tower was well. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. A fee is charged at the park.
	In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were ~~taken over~~ by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In 1995 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 ~~there are~~ plans ~~to eventually open up~~ Battery ~~201 and the Fire Control~~ tower. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. ~~Tours of Battery 201 are available~~ at the ~~request of the Park Manager~~.

	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===

J. Malcolm at 15:58, 20 June 2026

2026-06-20T15:58:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:58, 20 June 2026
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	~~=== [https://www~~.~~facebook~~.~~com/share/18RpXGbbiA/ Click here for information on Battery 201 Tours June 14th, 2026] ===~~		Loc. 158 Cape Elizabeth was a WWII gun battery, fire control and radar site in Cape Elizabeth ME.
	[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]		[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]
	~~[[File:CapeElizabethPlan41.jpg\|left\|thumb\|155x155px\|1941 Map]]~~		The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used existing residences as barracks and officers quarters. A 100 foot long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B.
	The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation ~~(Location 158)~~ was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used existing residences as barracks and officers quarters. A 100 foot long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B.

	== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==		== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==

J. Malcolm: https://www.facebook.com/share/18RpXGbbiA/

2026-05-28T02:55:56Z

https://www.facebook.com/share/18RpXGbbiA/

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:55, 27 May 2026
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			=== [https://www.facebook.com/share/18RpXGbbiA/ Click here for information on Battery 201 Tours June 14th, 2026] ===
	[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]		[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]

J. Malcolm: Updated information

2026-03-13T15:55:03Z

Updated information

J. Malcolm: Page needs to be rewritten ASAP

2024-12-08T01:28:31Z

Page needs to be rewritten ASAP

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:28, 7 December 2024
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	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21.jpg\|Access Ladder		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21.jpg\|Access Ladder
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 22.jpg\|Original Light Fixture~~
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Lighthouse Stairs		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Lighthouse Stairs
	File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration taken in 1983.		File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration taken in 1983.
	File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View		File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View
	~~File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 1).jpg\|1935 Station Plan~~
	~~File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 9).jpg\|1936 Revised Plan~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>

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	File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site		File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site
	File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view		File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view
	~~File:RadarTower1946.jpg\|1946 View from lighthouse~~
	~~File:1946dyerradar.jpg\|Another 1946 view~~
	~~File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 View showing the Operations building but no tower.~~
	~~File:DyerPtFOD.jpg\|Field of Detection for the radar~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>

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	== Battery 201 ==		== Battery 201 ==

	Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942 and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shieled guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105lbs could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">		Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shieled guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105lbs could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents

J. Malcolm at 22:58, 15 July 2024

2024-07-15T22:58:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:58, 15 July 2024
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	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]
	[[File:CapeElizabethPlan41.jpg\|left\|thumb\|155x155px\|1941 Map]]		[[File:CapeElizabethPlan41.jpg\|left\|thumb\|155x155px\|1941 Map]]
	The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation (Location 158) was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby.		The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation (Location 158) was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] and lived in a single-story barrack next to the Fire Control Station at Site 1B.

	== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==		== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==

J. Malcolm: /* Site 1B The Silo */

2024-04-24T20:17:15Z

Site 1B The Silo

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 24 April 2024
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	=== Site 1B The Silo ===		=== Site 1B The Silo ===
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]
	This Fire Control Tower was built in 1943 as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style FC station. The farmhouse burned shortly after the tower ~~was completed~~. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.		This Fire Control Tower was built in 1943 as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style FC station. The farmhouse used as a recreation building, burned shortly after the tower's completion. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.

J. Malcolm: /* Site 3A The Radar Tower */ Added more detailed information about the radar.

2024-03-10T03:35:50Z

Site 3A The Radar Tower: Added more detailed information about the radar.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:35, 9 March 2024
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	=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===		=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===
	The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held the SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The faux water tank was removed around 1946 along with the radar. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">		The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held the SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The faux water tank was removed around 1946 along with the radar. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 21.jpg\|alt=		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 21.jpg\|alt=
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level
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	File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 1).jpg\|1935 Station Plan		File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 1).jpg\|1935 Station Plan
	File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 9).jpg\|1936 Revised Plan		File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 9).jpg\|1936 Revised Plan
	</gallery>		</gallery></center>


	=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===		=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===
	~~[[File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|219x219px\|Dyer Point Radar 1946]]~~		In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was most likely scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings were probably removed when a new parking lot was built.<center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="100">
	~~[[File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|left\|thumb\|149x149px\|Radar Tower Footers]]~~		File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site
	~~[[File:RadarTower1946.jpg\|left\|thumb\|145x145px\|1946 View]]~~		File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view
	In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. ~~The~~ tower was probably removed ~~shortly after~~ the ~~war,~~ but the ~~concrete footers still remain at the Lobster Shack.~~		File:RadarTower1946.jpg\|1946 View from lighthouse
			File:1946dyerradar.jpg\|Another 1946 view
			File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 View showing the Operations building but no tower.
			File:DyerPtFOD.jpg\|Field of Detection for the radar
			</gallery></center>


			== Battery 101 ==
			[[File:Battery 101 FC Stations 1941.jpg\|left\|thumb\|166x166px\|FC Stations to serve Battery 101]]
			Battery 101 was going to be a twin 16-inch Long Range Barbette Battery but was terminated. This battery would have been identical to Battery Steele at [[Peaks Island MR]]. Battery 101 would have been located on top of Mares Hollow Lane north of Battery 201.

	== Battery 201 ==		== Battery 201 ==
	Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942 and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shieled guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105lbs could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">
			Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942 and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shieled guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105lbs could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents
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	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 05.jpg\|Plotting Room		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 05.jpg\|Plotting Room
	File:Battery201FOF.jpg\|Field of Fire		File:Battery201FOF.jpg\|Field of Fire
	</gallery>		</gallery></center>

	~~== Battery 101 ==~~
	~~[[File:Battery 101 FC Stations 1941.jpg\|left\|thumb\|166x166px\|FC Stations to serve Battery 101]]~~
	Battery 101 was going to be a twin 16-inch Long Range Barbette Battery but was terminated. This battery would have been identical to Battery Steele at [[Peaks Island MR]]. Battery 101 would have been located on top of Mares Hollow Lane north of Battery 201.

	== Present ==		== Present ==

J. Malcolm: /* Site 2A The Lighthouse */ Updates

2024-03-04T11:09:58Z

Site 2A The Lighthouse: Updates

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 4 March 2024
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	~~[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 21.jpg\|left\|thumb\|144x144px\|Cape Elizabeth West Light]]~~

	=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===		=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===
	~~[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR~~ (2) ~~18.jpg\|thumb\|155x155px\|Top Floor of the Lighthouse]]~~		The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held the SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The faux water tank was removed around 1946 along with the radar. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">
	~~[[File:~~Cape Elizabeth ~~MR (2) 28.jpg\|thumb\|150x150px\|Lighthouse Steps]]~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 21.jpg\|alt=
	[[~~File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|219x219px\|Dyer Point Radar 1946~~]]		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level
	This combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 on ~~top~~ of the ~~deactivated West Light (1874)~~. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held the SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The faux water tank was removed around 1946. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since.		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21.jpg\|Access Ladder
			File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 22.jpg\|Original Light Fixture
			File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Lighthouse Stairs
			File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration taken in 1983.
			File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View
			File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 1).jpg\|1935 Station Plan
			File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 9).jpg\|1936 Revised Plan
			</gallery>


	=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===		=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===
			[[File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|219x219px\|Dyer Point Radar 1946]]
	[[File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|left\|thumb\|149x149px\|Radar Tower Footers]]		[[File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|left\|thumb\|149x149px\|Radar Tower Footers]]
			[[File:RadarTower1946.jpg\|left\|thumb\|145x145px\|1946 View]]
	In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. The tower was probably removed shortly after the war, but the concrete footers still remain at the Lobster Shack.		In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. The tower was probably removed shortly after the war, but the concrete footers still remain at the Lobster Shack.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 20 June 2026
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	Loc. 158 Cape Elizabeth was a WWII gun battery, fire control and radar site in Cape Elizabeth ME.		Loc. 158 Cape Elizabeth was a WWII gun battery, fire control and radar site in Cape Elizabeth ME.
	[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]		[[Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland]]
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|~~Reservation Plan~~]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Layout 1945.]]
	The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used existing residences as barracks and officers quarters. A 100 foot long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B.		The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used two existing residences as barracks and officers' quarters. A 100-foot-long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B, and two other buildings were constructed next to Battery 201.

	== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==		== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==
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	=== Site 1B The Silo ===		=== Site 1B The Silo ===
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]
	This Fire Control Tower was built in ~~1943~~ as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style Fire Control station. The farmhouse used as a recreation building, burned ~~shortly after~~ the ~~tower's completion~~. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.		This Fire Control Tower was built in 1942 as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination in 1942. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style Fire Control station. The adjacent farmhouse was occupied by its owner, and the barn was used as a recreation building. In 1945 the barn burned and the house was subsequently destroyed. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.



	=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===		=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===
	The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held ~~the~~ SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The ~~faux water tank~~ was removed around 1946 ~~along with the radar~~. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">		The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held a SCR-296 radar for Battery 201. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted reddish brown. The radar was removed around 1946. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point, eventually the faux water tank disappeared as well. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR 21~~.jpg\|~~alt=~~		File:L158 2A FC Lighthouse.jpg\|View from Beacon Ln.
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level.
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21~~.~~jpg\|Access Ladder~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Spiral stairs in the lighthouse.
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|~~Lighthouse Stairs~~		File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration in 1983.
	File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration ~~taken~~ in 1983.
	~~File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>


	=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===		=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===
	In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings survived into the 1950s.<center~~><gallery mode="nolines" heights="100">~~		[[File:L158 3A SCR 296 footings 8-19-24.jpg\|left\|thumb\|SCR 296 Footers 2024.]]
	~~File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site~~		[[File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|261x261px\|1946 image.]]
	~~File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view~~
	~~</gallery~~></center>		In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings survived into the 1950s.<center></center>


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	== Battery 201 ==		== Battery 201 ==

	Construction began on Battery 201 in ~~1942~~, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery ~~had~~ two 6-inch shielded guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105 pounds could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-~~hover" heights="75~~">		Construction began on Battery 201 in 1943, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery was to have two 6-inch shielded guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105 pounds could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery. <center><gallery mode="packed-overlay">
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance~~		File:158 201 emp1 entrance 5-23-26.jpg\|Emplacement 1
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 10.jpg\|Emplacement 1
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR 09~~.jpg\|Emplacement #1 ~~Entrance~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 05.jpg\|Emplacement 2
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 10.jpg\|Emplacement #1		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 06.jpg\|Emplacement 2
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 05.jpg\|Emplacement #2 ~~Entrance~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 11.jpg\|Air vent
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 06.jpg\|Emplacement #2		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Center entrance
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 11.jpg\|~~Vent Shaft~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 07.jpg\|Breaker box
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR ~~(2) 09~~.jpg\|~~Reproduction Doors~~		File:158 201 plotting room facing swb 5-23-26.jpg\|Plotting Room
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 04.jpg\|~~Shell Room~~		File:158 201 generator room 5-23-26 (2).jpg\|Generator room
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 01~~.jpg\|~~Compressor~~ Room
	File:~~Cape Elizabeth MR~~ (2) 27.jpg\|Generator ~~Room~~
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 05.jpg\|Plotting Room~~
	~~File:Battery201FOF.jpg\|Field of Fire~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>
			[[File:158 201 emp1 azimuth scope 5-23-26.jpg\|thumb\|237x237px\|Azimuth scope set up during public tours.]]

	== Present ==		== Present ==
	~~[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 03.jpg\|thumb\|245x245px\|Battery 201 Central Entrance]]~~		In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were purchased by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In 1995 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 the battery is open for monthly public tours. Future plans include opening the Battery Commanders tower was well. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. A fee is charged at the park.
	In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were ~~taken over~~ by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In 1995 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 ~~there are~~ plans ~~to eventually open up~~ Battery ~~201 and the Fire Control~~ tower. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. ~~Tours of Battery 201 are available~~ at the ~~request of the Park Manager~~.

	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:28, 7 December 2024
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	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21.jpg\|Access Ladder		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21.jpg\|Access Ladder
	~~File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 22.jpg\|Original Light Fixture~~
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Lighthouse Stairs		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Lighthouse Stairs
	File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration taken in 1983.		File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration taken in 1983.
	File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View		File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View
	~~File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 1).jpg\|1935 Station Plan~~
	~~File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 9).jpg\|1936 Revised Plan~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>

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	File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site		File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site
	File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view		File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view
	~~File:RadarTower1946.jpg\|1946 View from lighthouse~~
	~~File:1946dyerradar.jpg\|Another 1946 view~~
	~~File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 View showing the Operations building but no tower.~~
	~~File:DyerPtFOD.jpg\|Field of Detection for the radar~~
	</gallery></center>		</gallery></center>

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	== Battery 201 ==		== Battery 201 ==

	Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942 and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shieled guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105lbs could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">		Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shieled guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105lbs could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 4 March 2024
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	~~[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 21.jpg\|left\|thumb\|144x144px\|Cape Elizabeth West Light]]~~

	=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===		=== Site 2A The Lighthouse ===
	~~[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR~~ (2) ~~18.jpg\|thumb\|155x155px\|Top Floor of the Lighthouse]]~~		The West Lighthouse (1874) at Cape Elizabeth has been used for Fire Control since 1925 for Battery Kearny-Chase at [[Fort Preble]]. In 1935-6 plans were made for an octagonal wooden station to replace the earlier one. This design was later revised to be a square wooden two-level station with an AAIS OP on the roof. The current combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 of reinforced concrete on the site of the earlier station. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held the SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The faux water tank was removed around 1946 along with the radar. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since. <gallery mode="nolines" heights="90">
	~~[[File:~~Cape Elizabeth ~~MR (2) 28.jpg\|thumb\|150x150px\|Lighthouse Steps]]~~		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 21.jpg\|alt=
	[[~~File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|219x219px\|Dyer Point Radar 1946~~]]		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 18.jpg\|Range data on the top level
	This combined fire control and radar tower was built in 1942 on ~~top~~ of the ~~deactivated West Light (1874)~~. This station was not disguised as a lighthouse but rather a water tower. A faux wooden tank held the SCR-296 radar. This station was for Battery 202 at [[Jewell Island MR]] and Battery 203 at [[Peaks Island MR]]. During the war the tower was painted brown. The faux water tank was removed around 1946. The tower was sold and the DPF pads were drilled out at one point. Gary Merrill who was the ex-husband of Bette Davis owned the tower from 1971-83. In 1985 the tower was purchased by Ken Lane who restored the exterior of the tower and has lived in the adjacent house since.		File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 21.jpg\|Access Ladder
			File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 22.jpg\|Original Light Fixture
			File:Cape Elizabeth MR (2) 28.jpg\|Lighthouse Stairs
			File:1983WestLight.jpg\|The tower before restoration taken in 1983.
			File:1953reservation.jpg\|1953 Ariel View
			File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 1).jpg\|1935 Station Plan
			File:Proposed Fire Control Station - Cape Elizabeth, Maine - DPLA - b193cdf730133e73f149488059094f6b (page 9).jpg\|1936 Revised Plan
			</gallery>


	=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===		=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===
			[[File:SCR296.jpg\|thumb\|219x219px\|Dyer Point Radar 1946]]
	[[File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|left\|thumb\|149x149px\|Radar Tower Footers]]		[[File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|left\|thumb\|149x149px\|Radar Tower Footers]]
			[[File:RadarTower1946.jpg\|left\|thumb\|145x145px\|1946 View]]
	In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. The tower was probably removed shortly after the war, but the concrete footers still remain at the Lobster Shack.		In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. The tower was probably removed shortly after the war, but the concrete footers still remain at the Lobster Shack.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 13 March 2026
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	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR Plan.jpg\|thumb\|311x311px\|Reservation Plan]]
	[[File:CapeElizabethPlan41.jpg\|left\|thumb\|155x155px\|1941 Map]]		[[File:CapeElizabethPlan41.jpg\|left\|thumb\|155x155px\|1941 Map]]
	The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation (Location 158) was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] and ~~lived in a single-story barrack next~~ to the ~~Fire Control Station~~ at Site 1B.		The Cape Elizabeth Military Reservation (Location 158) was established in 1942 for the [[:Category:Harbor Defenses of Portland\|Harbor Defenses of Portland]]. Batteries 101 and 201 were to be built along with Fire Control and Radar Stations. The reservation was split into three parcels. Site 1A was 32.62 acres acquired in 1943 for Battery 201. Site 1B was directly behind site 1A and was 7.3 acres acquired in 1943 for a combined Fire Control Tower and Battery Commanders Station. Site 2A was .30 acres acquired in 1942 for a combined Fire Control and Radar Tower on the former lighthouse reservation. Site 3A was also acquired in 1942 for a radar tower at Dyer Point. This was a sub post of [[Fort Williams]] nearby. Men stationed here were mostly billeted from [[Fort Williams]] but the post could support a garrison of 102 men. The Army used existing residences as barracks and officers quarters. A 100 foot long barracks was built adjacent to the Battery Commanders station at Site 1B.

	== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==		== Fire Control and Radar Towers ==
	Two Fire Control Towers and two radar stations were built on the reservation. A fire control switchboard was located in Battery 201. Plans from 1941 indicate a FC tower with two observing floors (serving Battery Steele and Battery 101) was to be located at 20 beacon lane but no such tower was ever built.		Two Fire Control Towers and two radar stations were built on the reservation. A fire control switchboard was located in Battery 201. Plans from 1941 indicate a Fire Control tower with two observing floors (serving Battery Steele and Battery 101) was to be located at 20 beacon lane but no such tower was ever built.

	=== Site 1B The Silo ===		=== Site 1B The Silo ===
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 16.jpg\|left\|thumb\|195x195px\|The Silo in 2023]]
	This Fire Control Tower was built in 1943 as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style FC station. The farmhouse used as a recreation building, burned shortly after the tower's completion. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.		This Fire Control Tower was built in 1943 as a Battery Commanders Station for Battery 201. It also housed a Base-End Station for Battery 201 (It would have housed the Gun-Group post, but it was never established after Battery 101's termination. The tower was built next to a farmhouse and disguised as a silo. Plans from 1941 show was to have been a three-story cottage style Fire Control station. The farmhouse used as a recreation building, burned shortly after the tower's completion. This tower was nearly identical to the one at [[Emerson Point MR]]. Today the tower is sealed and is slowly deteriorating. Barracks were once located next to the tower.


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	=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===		=== Site 3A The Radar Tower ===
	In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was ~~most likely~~ scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings ~~were probably removed when a new parking lot was built~~.<center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="100">		In 1942 a steel radar tower with a faux wooden tank was built at Dyer Point next to the Lobster Shack. A corrugated steel operations building, and two generator buildings accompanied this tower. This radar was to serve Battery Foote at [[Fort Levett]]. It could detect enemy ships and the crew in the operations building would report the ships' location to Battery Foote's plotting room. This tower was scrapped in 1948. The operations building and generator buildings survived into the 1950s.<center><gallery mode="nolines" heights="100">
	File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site		File:Dyer Point Radar.jpg\|Tower Site
	File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view		File:SCR296.jpg\|1946 Up close view
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	== Battery 201 ==		== Battery 201 ==

	Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch ~~shieled~~ guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing ~~105lbs~~ could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">		Construction began on Battery 201 in 1942, and it was completed in 1944 unarmed. This battery had two 6-inch shielded guns on barbette carriages. This battery was designated Battery #1 on defense charts and was proposed to be named Battery Fesseden. Fire Control Stations for this battery were located at [[Fletchers Neck MR]], [[Prouts Neck MR]], [[Cape Elizabeth MR]], [[Fort Levett]] and [[Jewell Island MR]]. The battery would have had a range of 15 miles and 5 rounds of shells weighing 105 pounds could be shot per minute. In 1946 the battery was abandoned by the coast artillery.<center><gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="75">
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 12.jpg\|Central Entrance
	File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents		File:Cape Elizabeth MR 13.jpg\|Exhaust Vents
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	== Present ==		== Present ==
	[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 03.jpg\|thumb\|245x245px\|Battery 201 Central Entrance]]		[[File:Cape Elizabeth MR 03.jpg\|thumb\|245x245px\|Battery 201 Central Entrance]]
	In ~~1961~~ sites 1A and 1B were taken over by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park]. In 1995 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of ~~2024~~ there are plans to eventually open up Battery 201 and the FC tower. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. Battery 201 ~~is closed to~~ the ~~public at this time~~.		In 1955 sites 1A and 1B were taken over by the state to create [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=28 Two Lights State Park] which opened in 1961. In 1995 an interpretation project was set up inside the battery which involved putting new electric lights and exit signs in. Interpretive plaques still remain marking each of the rooms with their purpose. As of 2026 there are plans to eventually open up Battery 201 and the Fire Control tower. Today all of the reservation except for the West Light is accessible to the public. Tours of Battery 201 are available at the request of the Park Manager.

	=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===		=== SOURCES and REFERENCES: ===