Camp Edwards, Building T-1209, Bourne

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS MASS,1-BOUR.V,1-A-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Building is located approximately due north of South Inner road in Block 12 within the south quarter of the Camp Edwards square cantonment, in Barnstable County, Bourne vicinity, Massachusetts.1 U.S.G.S. Special Map, series V814SCPEDWARDS, Blocks), Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 19, SW corner -370440E 46I2520N, NW corner -370580E NE corner -370880E SE corner -370740E

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS MASS,1-BOUR.V,1-A-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Building is significant as a relatively unmodified representative of a 700 Series Major General's Quarters.2 It represents one of six General's Quarters constructed as part of the original Camp Edwards cantonment and is one of 112 remaining World War II structures in the blocks of the cantonment. is also the only remaining structure of this type now under the control of Camp Edwards. Its companion structures and are under the control of the Air Force. PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION: A. Physical History: 1. Date of Erection: Construction of Building was initiated at the same time as the entire Camp Edwards cantonment. Construction at Camp Edwards began on September 12, and all essential facilities were completed by December 1, 2. Architect: Col. Charles D. Hartman Quartermaster Corps, U.S.

Army (later Brigadier General) and his staff produced and revised the 700 Series plans that were used in the construction of Building The Constructing Quartermasters at Camp Edwards during the construction of Building were Maj. Harold L. Algeo (C.E. Res.), Sept. 11 to Nov. 12, Capt. Carl M. Patee Nov. 11 to Jan. 30, and Capt. Fred E. Robbins (Inf. Res.), Jan. 30, to completion,5 The plans were further modified at Camp Edwards by the architectural-engineering firm of Charles T. Main Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts.6 CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING T-I209 (MAJOR GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-109Q-A (page 2) 3. Original and subsequent owners: In the Massachusetts State Legislature established the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod as a training area for the National Guard.

The Department of the Army entered a ninety-nine year lease with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and developed the camp into adivision training area in In a portion of the camp was transferred to the Department of the Air Force for construction and maintenance of an airfield designated as Otis Air Force Base. From Camp Edwards continued to function under the U.S. Army as a reserve training center under a permit from the U.S. Air Force. In base closures caused the Air Force to transfer Otis Air Force Base to the Massachusetts Air National Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard was issued a lease for portions of the installations, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in In the U.S. Army licensed its area at Camp Edwards to the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

The World War II temporary structures under consideration in this report are presently under the control of the U.S. Army and the Massachusetts Army National Guard.7 4. Builder, contractor, suppliers: Building was part of Block 12 of the Camp Edwards cantonment. The Walsh Construction Company of Davenport, Iowa, was the builder/contractor. The contracts for the principal construction areas were fixed-fee. Cost estimates were prepared which itemized costs for each structure type complete with utilities and the contractors' fees.8 The War Department purchased the lumber used in Building under a bid system. The lumber was inspected independently by the Lumber Inspection Bureau Inc.

Concrete was purchased from the Crystal Concrete Company of Braintree, Massachusetts, and the Lawrence Plant in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Test engineers were employed through the firm of Thompson and Litchfield Company of Boston.9 Information on individual suppliers of other materials was not available. These were probably purchased from subcontractors in the area, as was generally the case. 5. Original Plans and Construction: Building was built from 700 Series plan number The original elevations (Drawing used to construct Building are currently on file in the Facilities Engineers Office at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts.

The original cost of the building was Noted alterations to the original building plan at the time of construction include the use of 8"-round concrete piers instead of 8"-square foundation piers as specified in the 700 Series plans. 6. Alterations and additions: Major cosmetic alterations to the structure's interior and exterior include the installation of a new telephone service; the kitchen, bath and bedroom have been completely remodeled with new paneling and ceiling tiles. The American Standard toilet and Nash paper dispenser may represent the only remaining original fixtures. Fluorescent fixtures, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers have been added. Central gas heating with overhead vents has replaced the original coal furnace system.

The structure's exterior has been repainted white with blue trim. All windows and the front door have aluminum screens installed. The flooring consists of linoleum tiles, 12" square and is CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING (MAJOR GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-1-290-A (page 3) i ' a postwar alteration. The structure has acoustical tile ceilings, and the walls are finished with sheetrock and painted white, also postwar alterations. B. Historical Context: The construction of Building was part of a massive, nation-wide mobilization program designed to build cantonments to house and train the expanded World War II Army. The 700 Series, and the 800 Series that followed, was a comprehensive set of drawings which could be used interchangeably in creating the various building types.

Through the construction of temporary wood frame buildings such as the housing capacity of was increased to by the close of the mobilization program in the fall of Camp Edwards was the first of the mobilization camps constructed. The plans were so successful that fifty sets of duplicate prints were commissioned for use by other camp builders.11 In addition, war mobilization buildings are significant for their construction and technological innovation. Techniques such as the standardization of plans, prefabrication of units and assembly-line approach to construction were largely developed in the construction of these mobilization structures.

Building is a 700 Series Major Generals' Quarters constructed in the main cantonment area of Camp Edwards mobilization cantonment built by the War Department in the fall and winter of Mobilization cantonments were constructed to house and serve as training bases for approximately men drafted for Army service after the declaration of World War II. The post was named in honor of Major General Clarence Edwards, World War I commander of the Infantry Division. The camp was leased by the Department of the Army in and developed into a division training area. It was here mat the famous "Yankee Division" of the Infantry was first assembled and trained for overseas duty in Europe and the South Pacific.

The and blocks of the camp were assigned to the Infantry Regiment who arrived at the camp on July 10, 1941.u When fully occupied, over people lived in the cantonment area. The main cantonment area was organized as a square with a total of twenty-nine regimental blocks for infantry and artillery units. Outside the main cantonment additional blocks were constructed for the hospital, logistics, quartermaster depots, "colored" infantry, and service commands. In its unaltered condition Building illustrates the austere setting in which the basic infantry unit lived and trained before transfer to the combat arena. Even major ranking officers of the Army were not exempt from these measures. This is vividly illustrated in the small size and utilitarian nature of the structure.

CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING (MAJOR GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-429Q-A (page 4) PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION: A. General Statement: 1. Architectural Character: Building is a relatively unaltered example of typical 700 Series, Major Generals' Quarters. The structure was built according to standard War Department plans and is an example of World War II mobilization construction which was built nation-wide. The plans were used to house Brigadier Generals, and Regimental Commanders. 2. Condition of Fabric: The general condition of Building is good. The structure is maintained and the exterior of the structure is relatively unmodified. B, Description of the Exterior: 1. Overall Dimensions: Building is a rectangular building.

The main structure measures wide x long with a x porch and a x rear kitchen wing. The height from grade to the roof ridge is approximately 2. Foundations: The main area of building rests on round concrete piers 10" in diameter. The foundations of the porch and furnace room rests on a concrete slab on grade. The structure has galvanized-iron termite shields between the foundation skirting and siding. 3. Walls: The exterior walls of Building consist of three layers: wooden sheathing, black construction paper, and wooden cove-base siding. This is the standard system used throughout the cantonment. The exterior has wooden skirting covered with bituminous fabric and plywood skirting. 4. Structural System, framing: Building is of light frame construction. 5.

Porches, stoops: The structure has a covered front porch resting on a concrete slab on grade. 6. Openings: a. Doorways and Doors: The design of all doors at Building is similar, consisting of a standard design, four lights over three recessed panels. At the east front (entrance) and the north side (kitchen) there are single doors. There is a double-door entrance on the south side (furnace room): Both panels have been covered with plywood. b. Windows: The windows are six-over-six-light double-hung sash. There are two windows on the east front, three on the west rear, and one each on the north and south sides. CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING (Major GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-1396-A (page 5) U 8. Roof: a. Shape, covering: Building has a low-pitched gabled roof with a slope of 5 to 12.

Roofing materials consist of 3-tab asphalt roofing shingles with gray aggregate laid on l"-thick sheathing supported by 2" x 8" rafters at on center. C. Description of the Interior: 1. Floor Plans: a. Basement: The basement consist of a crawl space. b. Main Floor: Building as constructed in had a gross area of 460 square feet. The structure contains four main rooms, a bedroom, kitchen, bath and living area. c. Attic: The attic contains the roof trusses and was not accessible at the time of inspection. 2. Stairways: None. 3. Flooring: The flooring consists of linoleum tiles, 12" square and is a postwar alteration. 4. Wall and ceiling finishes: The structure has acoustical tile ceilings, and the walls are finished with sheetrock and painted white. Both are postwar alterations. 5.

Openings: There are two exterior wooden doors at Building The front door consists of two-lights over four vertical panels. The exterior door to the boiler room is four-lights over three vertical panels; plywood now covers the exterior paneled portion. There are two interior wooden doors, one to the bedroom and one to the bathroom, consisting of five horizontal panels. 6. Decorative Trim: There is no decorative trim. 7. Hardware: The original door and window hardware are present for the boiler room entrance. All remaining hardware is new. 8. Mechanical Equipment: a, Heating: The structure is presently heated with an American Standard natural gas furnace. Original heating was supplied by coal-fired furnace. b. Kitchen appliances: All kitchen appliances are new.

CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING T-I209 (Major GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-129Q-A (page 6) c. Ventilation: The structure is vented through the attic via screened vents in the ceiling. Two vents are located in the furnace room for the hot water and gas furnace. One vent is located in the bathroom, d. Lighting: Current lighting needs are served through modern porcelain fixtures and fluorescent lighting. An original fixture is present in the furnace room. The structure has been rewired and all outlets and switches are new. e. Plumbing: All plumbing is located in the furnace room and the bathroom The majority of the fixtures and piping appear to be new. Presently hot water is supplied through a gas fired Rudd "Enameline" pacemaker hot water heater.

A 3" drain in the bathroom appears to be the only original plumbing in the structure. D. Site: 1. General Setting and orientation: Building and the other general officers quarters are separated from the infantry cantonment in an area immediately east of block 12. Two additional structures were located to the north but have been razed. An unnamed road is located approximately west of the structures.14 There is an asphalt sidewalk leading to the structure entrance. The remainder of the building lot is relatively flat and planted in grasses. A cedar tree was planted on the north side of the structure sometime after World War II. An asphalt parking lot is located approximately 50' due east of the structures. 2. Historical Landscape Design: None noted. PART III. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: A.

Architectural Drawings: Building was built from 700 Series plan number The original plans used to construct Building were not present at Camp Edwards. Duplicates of the series plans are currently on file at United States Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USA-CERL). B. Early Views: No construction photographs of Building were located. Historic photographs of Camp Edwards construction were located in the Office of History, Fort Belvoir, VA. C.

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS MASS,1-BOUR.V,1-A-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

1. Primary and unpublished sources: Standard Mobilization Drawings 700 Series Plan number CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING (MAJOR GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-i290*A (page 7) Real Property Records. Building and Structures, Facilities Engineers Building, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. Base Layout Plan, Otis Air National Guard, Camp Edwards, U.S. Coast Guard, Scale revised January Camp Edwards Facilities Engineers Office. Report on the Activities of the Construction Division. War Department, Office of the Quartermaster General, Construction Division, July 1, to November 1, Manuscript on file Office of the Corps of Engineers, Engineer Historical Division, Fort Belvoir, Va. Architect-Engineer's Report on Camp Edwards, Falmouth, Massachusetts. June 4, Charles T. Main Inc. Engineers, p. 7.

Manuscript on file, Facilities Engineers Building, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. Camp Edwards Military Reservation, Bourne, Massachusetts. Master Plan, January Revised February Massachusetts Army National Guard, Directorate of Facilities Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts. Camp Edwards, Falmouth Massachusetts, Walsh Construction Co., General Contractors. Estimated Cost As Of September 5, For Major Generals' Quarters Q-7 Drawing No. p. 43, from Construction Costs Report, on file Facilities Engineers Building, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. Letter dated August 13, from Aronberg of the Walsh Construction Company to Mr. August G. Sperl concerning a review of Lenore Fine and Jesse A. Remington's, The Corps of Engineers: Construction in the United States.

United States Army in World War II, The Technical Services. Center of Military History. Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, Washington, 2. Secondary and Published sources: Lenore Fine and Jesse Remington. The Corps of Engineers: Construction in the United States. United States Army in World War II, The Technical Services. Center of Military History. Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Army, Washington, K, Alan Snyder. A Guide to Archival Sources for the Study of World War II Temporary Buildings. Office of the Corps of Engineers, History Division, Washington, Diane Wasch and Perry Bush. "The Historical Context of World War II Mobilization Construction." Unpublished paper.

National Park Service, Historic American Buildings Survey, Washington, DC, CAMP EDWARDS, BUILDING T-I209 (MAJOR GENERALS' QUARTERS) HABS NO. MA-&90-A (page 8) D. Likely Sources Not Investigated: 1. Documentary: Additional information on the firms of Charles T. Main (architect engineers) and the Walsh Construction Company (contractors) may be available. Additional data may be available in the National Archives on Col. Charles D. Hartman (Later Brigadier General) and his staff who produced and revised the 700 Series Standard Drawings. 2. Oral History: Interviews could be conducted with personnel involved in the construction at Camp Edwards and the military records and local area could be searched for personnel who may have worked at the installation.

Prepared by: Keith Landreth, Richard Hayes, Daniel R. Lapp, James Bowman, and Steve Turner United States Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory Historical and Architectural Documentation Reports for Camp Edwards, Massachusetts August PART IV. PROJECT INFORMATION: The documentation of Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, was undertaken as mitigation documentation by the United States Army, Civil Engineering Research Laboratory (USA-CERL), Champaign, Illinois. The documentation was done to the standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER), Robert J. Kapsch, Chief, the National Park Service. The research was underaken by Keith Landreth, Daniel R.

Lapp, James Bowman, and Steve Turner of USA-CERL on site at Camp Edwards during the summer of The large-format photography was done by Martin Stupich. NOTES: 1. Base Layout Plan, Otis Air National Guard, Camp Edwards, U.S. Coast Guard, Scale revised January Camp Edwards Facilities Engineers Office. 2. Camp Edwards Real Property Records on file. Facilities Engineers Office. Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. 3. Report on the Activities of the Construction Division, War Department. Office of the Quartermaster General, Construction Division. July 1. to November 1. Manuscript on file Office of the Corps of Engineers, Engineer Historical Division, Fort Belvoir. Va. 4. Lenoir Fine and Jesse Remington. The Corps of Engineers: Construction in the United States.

United States Army in World War II, The Technical Services. Center of Military History. Office of the Chief of Military History. United States Army, Washington. pg. 69. CAMP EDWARDS. BUILDING (MAJOR GENERALS' QUARTERS^ HABS NO. MD-1399-A (page 91 5. Architect-Engineer's Report on Camp Edwards. Falmouth, Massachusetts. June4. Charles T. Main Inc. Engineers, p. 7. Manuscript on file. Facilities Engineers Building. Camp Edwards. Massachusetts. 6. Report on the Activities of the Construction Division. War Department. Office of the Quartermaster General, Construction Division, July 1^ to November 1, Manuscript on file Office of the Corps of Engineers. Engineer Historical Division, Fort Belvoir, Va, 7. Camp Edwards Military Reservation, Bourne. Massachusetts. Master Plan.

January Revised February Massachusetts Army National Guard. Directorate of Facilities Engineering, Boston. Massachusetts. 8. Architect Engineers Report on Camp Edwards, Falmouth. Massachusetts. June 4. Charles T. Main, Inc. Engineers, p.6 Manuscript on file. Facilities Engineers Building, Camp Edwards. Massachusetts. 9.. Architect-Engineer's Report on Camp Edwards. Falmouth. Massachusetts. June 4. Charles T. Main Inc. Engineers. Manuscript on file. Facilities Engineers Building. Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, and 90. 10. Camp Edwards, Falmouth Massachusetts, Walsh Construction Co., General Contractors. Estimated Cost As Of September 5, For Major General's Quarters Type Drawing No. p. 43. from Construction Costs Report, on file Building Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. 11. Letter dated August 13.

from Aronbergof the Walsh Construction Company to Mr. August G. Sperl concerning a review of Lenore Fine and Jesse A. Remington's. The Corps of Engineers: Construction in the United States. United States Army in World War II, The Technical Services. Center of Military History. Office of the Chief of Military History, United States Armv. Washington, 12. Architect Engineers Report on Camp Edwards, Falmouth, Massachusetts. June4, Charles T. Main. Inc. Engineers. Manuscript on file, Facilities Engineers Building, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. 13. From "Standard 700 Series Drawing 14. Base Layout Plan. Otis Air National Guard. Camp Edwards. U.S. Coast Guard. Scale revised January Camp Edwards Facilities Engineers Office.