You’ve likely heard about it. You’ve probably even been there. So, it’s only fair-and predictable- that we go to Goddard Mansion. Although it is only ruins now, the mansion still draws the breath out of anyone who visits…or maybe it’s because of the long walk uphill…regardless, this thing is a beut.
Built by New York Architect Charles Alexander, the mansion with it’s 2 foot thick walls, was made from local stone and was the first of it’s kind back in 1853 when they broke ground for this eye catcher. It took 5 years to build and in 1858, the hard worker that Mr. Alexander was, got to finally sit back on the sprawling lawn that leads up to it, crack open a beer…or moonshine…whatever they did back then, and say “Damn. I’m good.” (Another 5 points for Alexander if he rolled down the hill and across the flawless lawn in celebration.)
Alexander built this home under hire for another hardworking man. You are NEVER going to guess who it was. I’ll give you a hint; his last name begins with a ‘G.’ Give up?
His name was John Goddard. (I know, you were stumped.)
John was a lumberman and every winter he would gather up his team of strapping young lads (or old, I don’t discriminate) and head off with their oxen and saws, cutting down trees that would make the DEP squirm in their shoes.
Being a lumberman, it should come as no surprise that John Goddard was a burly man, and apparently very dedicated to his job. It was once reported that when approached by men looking for a job on his team, he actually got on all fours, and made the aspiring Paul Bunyan wannabe’s, treat him like a team of oxen that wouldn’t haul. (And you thought your boss was weird.)
I’m not sure if this was the actual interview process or if this was an isolated incident. He was practically asking to be switched. It’s no wonder he was described as “Iron Sided.” When Goddard refused to hitch up like a good ox, (this man was IN CHARACTER!) the potential employee drove a steel brad into his pants-which of course made Goddard move-like any oxen would do. Not only did this man get hired but he also got to name his own price. So, remember folks, if you need a raise, you know what to do.
So, one day, John was strolling through Cape Elizabeth and found the prime spot to build a home. Vast views of the ocean, privacy….all the stuff that no one can afford today. So, up went Goddard Mansion.
Then came the Civil War and Goddard enlisted in the army, becoming Colonel. He was such a beast of a man that he needed a large horse to gallop around on, and at some point he discovered “Maybe a man of my size and age shouldn’t be doing this. This is harder than I thought it would be.” (Which crosses my mind on a daily basis, truth be told.)
Goddard died in 1870, leaving his dream home to his family. For 28 years, they maintained the home and did what they could to hang on to it, but in 1898 they had to sell it. I can imagine they didn’t want to let goof this beautiful place with spectacular views but, going into debt is a Hell of a thing.
A year later it was sold again to Fort Williams Park. Over the years it served as a home for the families of enlisted men who were stationed at Fort Williams. The mansion served well again as NCO headquarters as well as the NCO Club in the basement. (That’s Non Commisioned Officers, for those who don’t know the lingo.) Goddard Mansion worked just as hard as John Goddard himself.
In the 1970’s the mansion fell victim to arson, (because humans are literally the worst species on the planet) and a controlled fire was orchestrated by Fort Williams to take care of the safety risk the arson created. The roof and the ‘guts’ of the home was completely destroyed and all that’s left to this day are the 2 foot thick walls.
I bet if John Goddard could catch whoever the arsonist was, he would drive a steel brad up their keister.
Since people don’t have any common sense or know how to keep themselves safe anymore, the park erected metal fencing around the mansion to keep people out, inside of tearing down the whole she-bang (like some Debbie-Downers wanted to do.) The fencing really doesn’t take away from the feel of the place tho, and is actually, in my opinion, the best feature the entire park has to offer. (Sorry Lighthouse, I’ll make it up to you.)
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go roll down this hill and across Goddard’s lawn.
Don’t judge me.
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