The discovery of two glass bottles dating back to the 1920s has led a Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) archeologist to shed light on a part of the post's history.

"We had done a survey on the ground behind the museum, looking for a homestead," said Dr. Bret Ruby, an archeologist and the cultural resources manager at JBLM, during a recent lecture at the DuPont Presbyterian Church.

"We didn't find the homestead, but we did discover the bottles."

The growth of JBLM has led officials to consider sites for new construction.  One of those sites is behind the Fort Lewis Museum, which is currently under renovation.

The bottles are a connection to Greene Park, an almost forgotten page in the history of Fort Lewis.

In 1917 during World War I, the federal government initiated a military camp building program.  In May of that year, Capt. David Stone began construction of Camp Lewis.  By mid-August, some 7,000 workers built over 500 buildings.

On September 1, Private Herbert Hauck became the first regular Army enlisted man to arrive at Camp Lewis.  By the end of December, over 37,000 officers and enlisted formed the 91st Division.

Maj. Gen. Henry Greene, the division's commander, faced the task of shaping the soldiers into a fighting force.

While training for potential service in Europe, the soldiers also had free time.

Some of that time was spent with prostitutes and in bars.  As far as Greene and others were concerned, there had to be a better use for the soldier' time.

"Sin City was not where Greene wanted soldiers," commented Ruby.

At this time, the Progressive Movement had a powerful influence.  The war's mobilization efforts had created an opportunity to make men "more moral."

President Woodrow Wilson, a strong progressive, created the Commission on Training Camp Activities (CTCA) and directed it to repress alcohol and vice by creating alternative outlets.

Greene agreed, and he soon made Seattle - with its "diverse and open dens of vice - off-limits to Camp Lewis soldiers.

He also formed the Camp Lewis Amusement Company to design and build a recreation center on 20 to 30 acres.

"To give you an idea of its scope, there were two barbershops with 50 chairs each," said Ruby.

"They were the largest shops in the world."

The park was named in Greene's honor.

The Fort Lewis Museum - initially the Red Shield Inn - is the only surviving feature of Greene Park.

The 91st Division sailed for Europe in July 1918 and saw combat until November 1918.

After the war, through demobilization the population of Camp Lewis dropped from approximately 40,000 to around 1,200 soldiers.

The need for Greene Park disappeared.

By 1922, most of the buildings had either been torn or burned down.  During World War II, barracks - now long gone - were built on the site.

"But it is good to remember the past of this military post," commented Becky Huber, president, Lakewood Historical Society.