14
The opening of the monument in Battlefield Park on June 6, 1913.6 June 1913
Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek, Ontario
15
On the centennial of the Battle of Stoney Creek, June 6, 1913, the completed Monument was unveiled by Queen Mary in London, by means of a transatlantic cable. According to W.W.H.S. accounts, "a special line connected Buckingham Palace with the office of the Commercial Cable Company, in Grace Church Street, and the cable to which it was linked was kept clear for the ceremony. In the Queen's boudoir were place a galvanometer and electric button, and pressure by the queen's hand upon the latter completed the electric circuit and caused the wrappings about the memorial statue to fall away, while the galvanometer indicated that Her Majesty's signal had been effective."Sarah lived to see the Union Jack fly over the monument, but died on March 16, 1914.
16
The Monument struck a chord with many who came to see it unveiled. One such person was William Murray, who wrote a poem for the June 6th, 1913 edition of the Hamilton Spectator.At Stirring Stoney Creek
The Centenary Of The Battle
Unveiling Of The Monument
Memory Of Its Heroes
The Queen has "touched the button" o'er
Three thousand miles of sea.
And, lo! The veil is seen no more
Where it was wont to be.
The monument in all its glory,
Stands up to tell its stirring story.
Nor should we overlook to-day
The feats of Countess Calder
And her companions, bright and gay-
Who'll never be noted aulder-
Without whose lustrous labours here
No monument could now appear.
(William Murray, excerpt from a poem which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator, Friday, June 6, 1913.)
17
Unfortunately, by the early 1990s, years of wear and tear took their toll on the Monument.Pigeons and bats had gained access through windows which had been broken by vandal. Vertical joints in the masonry at the top of the tower had opened permitting water to seep in. Lengths of steel rail used to reinforce the concrete roof slab and two of the landings had corroded and split the concrete. Large areas of pointing in the tower walls had broken down, leading to further water damage. The hillside steps leading to the Monument were extremely unstable.
18
The Preserve the Monument Committee was formed to raise money for the restoration of the decaying monument. A plaque hangs to the east of the tower's doorway today to thank those people who were involved with raising money to save the monument. Below is an excerpt from a speech that was made by the Committee's Chairperson, Anne Bain, in 1993,Message From Councilor Anne Bain
Chairperson of the "Preserve The Monument" Committee
On June 6, (19)13, Queen Mary pushed a button in England which unveiled the Stoney Creek Battlefield Monument commemorating the Battle Of Stoney Creek and the soldiers who fell protecting Canada from invasion by the American forces during the War Of 1812.
Unfortunately, over the years, the Monument has suffered considerable damage to its structure. A committee was organized to raise funds to assist with the restoration of this historic monument. Through their efforts, approximately $70,000 was raised, and grants were received from the Federal and Provincial Governments.
Restoration work was carried out during the summer of 1993. The Committee plans to continue raising funds to assist with the ongoing maintenance of the Monument.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Anne Bain, Chairperson
Preserve The Monument Committee
19
In 1993, an extensive restoration of the Monument was undertaken.1993
Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek, Ontario
20
The restoration of the Monument was carried out during the summer of 1993.The people working to restore the Monument went to great lengths to ensure that the Monument would not only be a safe place for the public to enjoy once it reopened but also to ensure that the building would hold its structure for decades and decades to come.
21
The official reopening of the Battlefield Monument led by Lieutenant Governor Hal Jackman.4 June 1994
Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek, Ontario
22
The Monument reopened to the delight of many excited spectators. The re-opening ceremony took place on June 4th, 1994 with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable Henry W. R. Jackman in attendance. |
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