John K. Gately, Portland, ca. 1890, ca. 1890

Contributed by Maine Irish Heritage Center

John K. Gately, Portland, ca. 1890, ca. 1890

This record was added to Maine Memory Network through the efforts of a student at Cape Elizabeth High School. More info about student projects.

Description

John K. Gately is photographed here in the uniform of the Portland Montgomery Guards- a local militia group and precursor to the Maine National Guard- popular for the military drill demonstrations and grand formal dances sponsored throughout New England and Canada.

John K. Gately (1867-1898) grew up in an Irish family in the Munjoy Hill neighborhood of Portland. He worked as a boilermaker and fireman. Gately moved to Lynn, Massachusetts shortly after this photograph was taken.

Although many young Irish men joined civic groups like the Montgomery Guards to avoid the sometimes fatal consequences of poverty and violence in the crowded immigrant neighborhoods, many indeed still died young. Gately drowned with the sinking of the ill-fated S. S. Portland during “Portland Gale” on the night of November 26/27, 1898 off the coast of Gloucester, Mass. He was 31 years old.

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About This Item

  • Title: John K. Gately, Portland, ca. 1890, ca. 1890
  • Creator: The Lamson Photographic Art Studio
  • Creation Date: circa 1890
  • Subject Date: circa 1890
  • Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Photographic print
  • Dimensions: 16.5 cm x 10.8 cm
  • Local Code: pmg813.009
  • Collection: Portland Montgomery Guards
  • Object Type: Image

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Irish Heritage Center
PO Box 7588, 34 Gray Street, Portland, ME 04112-7588
(207) 780-0118
Website
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