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Events

• 1899William Franklin Dunn Sr. was born on June 13th, 1899, in Bangor, Maine, a city that was once known as the Lumber Capital of the World. His early years were shaped by the logging industry, which saw millions of logs floated down the Penobscot River to be processed at the sawmills that lined the waterfront. By the late 19th and early 20th century, the city’s economy revolved around timber exports, fueling a rapid but often volatile industrial boom. At its peak, Bangor supplied the world with lumber, its logs used to build ships, homes, and businesses across the United States and even Europe. But while Bangor thrived on paper, its working-class families, like the Dunns, lived hard lives shaped by backbreaking labor, financial instability, and frequent economic downturns. The Penobscot River was both a lifeline and a danger—it carried wealth in the form of timber, but also claimed the lives of loggers who misstepped on the slippery logs or got caught in the brutal spring floods.
• 1911One of the most defining events of Bangor’s early 20th century was The Great Fire of 1911, which devastated much of downtown Bangor, including businesses, homes, and industrial buildings. The fire destroyed 50 acres of the city, including 267 buildings, and left thousands of people homeless. For a young boy like William, watching his city burn would have been terrifying, but it also may have shaped his later career in law enforcement. Fires were a constant threat in industrial towns like Bangor, and after witnessing such destruction, he may have developed a strong sense of duty to protect communities from disasters, crime, and disorder. More importantly, the fire’s economic impact may have played a role in his decision to enlist in the military. Many people lost their jobs and businesses, creating an even more desperate job market for young men.
• 1916By 1916, with World War I intensifying, Bangor’s young men were being pulled into the war effort by a combination of economic hardship, patriotism, and aggressive military recruiting campaigns. Across the city, propaganda posters lined the streets, depicting heroic sailors, brave soldiers, and dire warnings about the threat of German imperialism. Recruiters visited working-class neighborhoods, promising adventure, steady pay, and a chance to serve the country. For a young, restless teenager like William, the Navy offered a way out—a ticket to adventure, a steady paycheck, and a way to escape Bangor’s struggling economy. At just 16 years old, he decided to enlist. But he had a problem—he was too young.
• 1919In February 1919, William Dunn found himself back in New York City, no longer a sailor but a man with a complicated past. His discharge was not a moment of celebration—it was one of disgrace. A notation of “bad behavior” on his record left a stain that would follow him for the rest of his life. The details of his court-martial remain elusive. Was it insubordination? Desertion? Fighting? Alcohol? The U.S. Navy, known for its strict discipline, could have dismissed him for any number of infractions. But for William, a young man who had risked his life aboard the USS O’Brien, the dishonorable discharge was a mark of failure in a world that valued military service above all else. For many returning veterans, the transition to civilian life was difficult. For William, it was near impossible. He returned to Bangor, Maine, a city that had changed dramatically in his absence. The Spanish Flu pandemic had swept through the town, leaving behind widows, orphans, and a population weakened by loss. Bangor’s economy had been battered by the war, and well-paying jobs were scarce.
• 1933As if financial hardship wasn’t enough, the family faced an even greater challenge in 1933 when Hazel fell gravely ill. According to her obituary, she battled a seven-month-long illness, during which time she required constant medical care—an expense that would have been devastating for a family already struggling to make ends meet. At the time, affordable healthcare was nearly nonexistent for working-class families. House calls from doctors cost anywhere from $2 to $5 per visit (the equivalent of $40 to $100 today), and hospital stays were often unaffordable. It is unknown what exactly Hazel suffered from, but given the era, it could have been tuberculosis, pneumonia, or another chronic illness that lacked effective treatment options. On April 3, 1933, Hazel passed away at the age of 33, leaving William a widower with four children under the age of 10. The obituary described her as a beloved mother, a hardworking wife, and a respected member of her community. Her funeral was held in Bangor, and she was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.

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