Friends of Fort Knox approve cannon project

PROSPECT – The Friends of Fort Knox held their annual meeting for membership on Jan. 2 at the Fort Knox Visitor and Education Center.

Some 50 members of the organization attended the meeting. They unanimously approved new bylaws for the organization and elected three individuals to three-year terms to the board of directors. Elected to the board were Mary Campbell, Lincolnville Beach; Shirley Pierce, Orland; and Paul Smith, Old Town.

The board of directors then elected these officers to one-year terms: Michael Celli, chairman, Brewer; Faith Campbell, vice chairman, Stockton Springs; Donald Metthe, treasurer, Bucksport; Shirley Pierce, secretary, Orland.

Robert Robinson of Stockton Springs was appointed parliamentarian for the board.

Board chairman Michael Celli recognized Bangor attorney A. J. Greif for his pro bono work on behalf of the organization’s membership during the past year. Celli presented Greif a framed photograph of Fort Knox and the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory in appreciation of his efforts.

In other business, the board awarded Gordon McCrae of McCrae’s Welding, Eddington, a contract to restore four 24-pound flank howitzer cannons and carriages original to Fort Knox.

Flank howitzer cannons were used for short-range antipersonnel defense. The cannons would have guarded the entrances to the fort, and were arrayed to repel ground forces trying to storm the fort through the defensive ditches. Howitzer cannons could be loaded with solid shot as well as grape shot, which would have had a devastating effect on advancing infantry.

According to Maine State Historic Site Specialist Tom Desjardin, once the cannon restoration project is complete, Fort Knox will have more of this type of cannon on display than any other historic site in the country.

Those interested in becoming members of the Friends of Fort Knox or assisting its ongoing mission to preserve the fort and enhance its educational, cultural and economic value for the state of Maine may call 469-6553 or visit fortknox.maineguide.com. Membership is $20, sent to FOFK, P.O. Box 456, Bucksport, 04416.