Francis W. Bisbee of New Gloucester, Maine graduated from the University of Maine in 1902, but returned for a specialized certificate program for Horticulture sometime around 1915. While at UMaine, he underwent military training through the college's cadet training program.

He registered for the draft in September of 1918 at the age of 42. When the U.S. entered WWI in 1917, the draft age was between 21 and 31, but by the time Bisbee registered, the age range had been extended from 18 to 45. He was not sent overseas, as the war ended before the next wave of soldiers could be fully mobilized.

The jacket pictured is a standard issue cadet training tunic with buttons bearing the Maine State Seal.