Am I the only one who has to do the Math to believe that 1972 was 50 years ago? Today's post is a throwback to a special anniversary for Reston Memorial Park and its marble cenotaph. We can all look forward to celebrating 100 years this summer.
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| Photo of Cenotaph in Reston Park dated 1960 |
RESTON (Special)--The annual decoration day was held recently in Reston Memorial Hall; sponsored by the Elizabeth Legion. Rev. Donald Hester of Melita addressed the gathering. The parade of veterans and members of cubs paraded to the hall and to the Cenotaph, led by the Rivers Pipe Band. Parade Marshall was Lorne Watt. Rev. E. Schurman assisted in the program. Others on the platform were Legion president, Jim Morrison; chaplain, L. L. Ludlam; zone representative, John Borreson. Lorne Watt the read roll of honor at cenotaph. One of the pipers played a lament.
It was 50 years this month since the Soldiers' Memorial Monument (now known as the cenotaph) was unveiled--the exact date June 30. 1922. Lieutenant-governor of Manitoba, Sir James Aikins perform the unveiling ceremonies. The monument is topped by a soldier and is made of Italian marble.
It was purchased from donations and cost $3600 in 1922--a lot of money. There was $336 left after fixing up the monument and this was turned over to the park committee.
Originally the names of those who died in the First World War were inscribed in two sides of the granite base but after the Second World War, bronze plaques were installed on the north and south sides with names of those who paid the supreme sacrifice on them. Money for those was also raised through voluntary subscriptions.
The late Alfred Archer was the man responsible for the planning of the park and did a tremendous amount of work in it. In his memory a memorial gate with a suitable engraved plaque was installed. Mr. Archer signed the guest book for the first and only time August, 1967, the day he left Reston to reside in a home in Little Britain, Ont., his birthplace. He died the next year and was buried beside his wife who died in 1967. His contribution to the development of Reston Memorial Park cannot be underestimated. He was made a life member of Manitoba Horticultural Society at the annual meeting of the society held in Brandon in 1965--an honor he greatly appreciated.
According to Mr. Archer's original notes, the site was bare prairie in its natural state. It was purchased from the CPR for a very reasonable price and consists of about five acres of land. The town paid for the labor that wasn't volunteered and at first the tax amounted to $350, for the local improvement district. In 1972 this has been increased to about $2.000.
Among the speakers at the first service were Col. J. G. Rattray of Pipestone and Col. Geo. Clingan of Virden.
At that first service the late Dr. A. B. Chapman read the names inscribed. Dr. Chapman, although overage, managed to enlist in the First World War and was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery under Fire. He came here in 1900 and made his home here until his death at the age of 98, on May 12, 1961, except for his four years service with the medical corps overseas. He was first chairman of the park board.
There are 25 names on the roll of honor for the First World War and in the Second World War 17 names are inscribed.
The guest book has been signed by Visitors-from as far away as South America, England, Italy, Germany and New Zealand.
You can read more from this blog about the park here https://ssimms644.blogspot.com/2021/11/reston-memorial-park-from-oats-to-roses.html
and here https://ssimms644.blogspot.com/2021/12/mr-archers-park-history-notes-1965.html
Love your blog. Dr. Chapman was awarded the Military Cross not the Military Medal.
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