Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Watercolor painting by Maine artist Alice Harmon Shaw (1913-1994) of two American Red Cross canteen workers serving food to Army soldiers. "Clubmobiles" or mobile canteens traveled to around to soldiers, where Red Cross staff, sometimes known as called "Donut Dollies" served coffee and donuts, as well as comforts of home like magazines, newspapers, and candy. The Donut Dollies pictured wear light blue uniforms, a typical color for Red Cross Canteen (food service) workers.
During World War II, the artist worked as a Red Cross occupational therapist. She reportedly painted this scene based on descriptions of Fort Williams from her sister Betty, who worked at the fort in the Red Cross Motor Corps.
About This Item
- Title: Red Cross Canteen Service, Cape Elizabeth, ca. 1942
- Creator: Harmon Shaw Alice
- Creation Date: circa 1942
- Subject Date: circa 1942
- Location: Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: watercolor
- Local Code: 2012.337.002
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- American Red Cross
- Canteens (Establishments)--Maine--Cape Elizabeth
- Food service--Maine--Cape Elizabeth
- Fort Williams (Me.)
- Kirkpatrick, Alice Harmon Shaw, 1913-1994
- Women artists--Maine
- Women in war
- World War, 1939-1945
- World War, 1939-1945--Art and the war
- World War, 1939-1945--Food supply--Maine
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
More to Consider
Item 110846
Soldiers lined up for a meal, Cape Elizabeth, ca. 1942
Item 110862
Chow at Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth, ca. 1942
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