Description
- Image Type: Snapshot print, 4½” x 3”.
- The photo shows, from behind, Harry Welch in a Navy-style uniform and Ralph Sargent in an Army campaign hat, along with Rev. Colby — whose face is partially cut off — in civilian clothing, at the unveiling of a WWI memorial stone. The buildings visible in the background do not match the Scarborough Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument location in Dunstan, suggesting this photo was taken at the memorial’s earlier location at the AmVets’ Hall, also in Dunstan.
Identifying Information
- On back: “Harry Welch back to, Ralph Sargent – facing, Rev. Rensel Colby, unveiling W.W. 1 Memorial at Dunstan.”
Research
- Harry Welch is probably Harry E. Welch (1881–1959) of Pine Point Road, a veteran of both World War I and World War II.
- Ralph D. Sargent’s obituary indicates he died on January 14, 1970. He was born in 1894 and served in World War I.
- Scarborough Historical Society records identify Rev. Rensel Harold Colby (1882–1952), who was ordained in Scarborough in 1913 and served as minister of the First Congregational Church, Black Point. He served as a chaplain during World War II and died on September 26, 1952.
- These three World War I veterans were involved in the memorial’s original dedication at the AmVets’ Hall (Sullivan Scamman Post) at Old Blue Point Road and Route 1. The memorial was installed at AmVets’ Hall in 1931 (although I haven’t found confirming sources).
- A Portland Evening Express article dated October 16, 1963, page 20, reported that the stone honoring World War I veterans was moved from the AmVets’ Hall (Sullivan Scamman Post) to the Dunstan lot near the “Civil War Monument” (officially the “Scarborough Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument”). They also purchased a separate stone for World War II veterans at that time.
- Today, the WWI monument is located at Monument Park, off Sawyer Road near U.S. Route 1.
