Victoria Mansion

We are delighted to see that Fort Williams Park in nearby Cape Elizabeth has reopened the remnants of the Goddard Mansion. It was built around the same time as Victoria Mansion and was also in the Italianate style. It was built for John Goddard in the 1850's and became non-commissioned officer quarters when Fort Williams expanded in 1900. It was unfortunately deteriorated by the 1980s and the interior was burned by a controlled fire. (See comment for a picture of the Goddard Mansion when it was complete.)
The restoration includes a digital component that gives visitors a chance to learn about its history. Be sure to check it out when visiting Fort Williams' more well-known building- Portland Head Light.

The Goddard Manor project is nearing completion! We’ve just installed a new QR code on the sign to the left of the archway. Simply scan it with your smartphone to unlock an immersive audio and augmented reality journey through the manor's storied past and architectural grandeur.

Happy National Ice Cream Day!

Ice cream is a treat that would have been familiar to all who lived at Victoria Mansion. Thanks to ice delivery services, folks could make it right at home. Fresh cream would be mixed with desired ingredients in the metal centerpiece of an ice cream freezer. The wooden tub around it was then filled with ice and salt. They would turn the crank to mix and chill it until it was frozen.

For those who didn't want to do all the work, Portland also had several establishments selling ice cream by the late 1880's.

You don' t need any special equipment to try this for yourself. This video from Boston's Museum of Science shows how to do with items you probably already have:
https://www.mos.org/video/make-your-own-ice-cream

📷 1. Libby & Co Ice delivery wagon in Portland, ca 1880, from our friends at Maine Memory Network. (No relation to the Libbys who were second owners of the Mansion.) 2. Advertisement for the White Mountain Ice Cream Freezer