I have an older 1/3 hp single phase ge motor with poles marked "1-5" and one marked "L" I am just wondering how to wire this motor to a 115VAC circuit.

Sounds like it would be a multi speed switch hook up motor, where you would have your normal 3 wires coming into the switch and then have the extra wires coming from the switch to the motor. Is this by chance an old fan motor? I would think that you would be able to talk with jkrussell, I believe he is the electrical expert.