Life at Fort McKinley
Outside of military preparation and defense, Fort McKinley offered many enriching programs for the enlisted men, officers, families, and Great Diamond Islanders.
The Fort had its own theater, sports teams, and band (housed in the double barracks.), Many dinners and dances were hosted. The Fort also had a Post Exchange (store) that now houses the administrative offices for Diamond Cove.
A one-room schoolhouse was constructed in 1928 to educate children both living at the Fort as well as on the other side of the island.
The Fort had its own theater, sports teams, and band (housed in the double barracks.), Many dinners and dances were hosted. The Fort also had a Post Exchange (store) that now houses the administrative offices for Diamond Cove.
A one-room schoolhouse was constructed in 1928 to educate children both living at the Fort as well as on the other side of the island.
Sports at the Fort
In addition to military training, Fort McKinley offered a variety of recreation options to the men stationed here. Fort had its own football and baseball, and boxing teams as well as bowling lanes, an indoor basketball court, and tennis courts. The men were encouraged to participate in these extracurricular activities, competing against teams both in Portland and throughout Southern Maine.
The tennis courts were constructed during the 1920s, with separate courts designated for enlisted men and officers.
The tennis courts were constructed during the 1920s, with separate courts designated for enlisted men and officers.