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Clinton News-Record, 1976-06-24, Page 43The old cannon that first stood on the lake bank at the end of BayfieId Terrace was: it great attraction for the children. They peered into it; they sat astride it imagining themselves as retended wild ld cowboys; and they p fire it - but never heard a "boom". There was plenty of fireworks over it in Council meetings. though, as the following items tell: Feb. 6, 1895 - "The Big Gun" is to be mounted. The first fire is to be a salute to Mr. Patterson on his next visit." Mar. 1, 1895 - "The Big Gun," says Council "is to be mounted at once." "tf there is any further delay," says a teal lady. "1 will mount it myself.'. "On Monday. Mar. 4, Council once voted to erect the lig Gun Mr. Baileyadvocates an enclosure for the On and a fee be charged to view it. Mr. Fraser agreed and thought purchase of an automatic -aperture, half -stack chewing gum slot machine would be the proper thing to attachthe and. as he intended -occupying Reeve's chair another year. he could offer to say so. The Reeve said, "No' -- that anything he had would be shown free of charge to visitors if they wished, to enjoy themselves." June 15, 1895 - "Gun mounted now. ready for Dominion Day celebrations." Gun an July 31. 1895 - "Big attraction - visitors came from far and near. The Reeve and Council deserve credit for position and location." And it sat there for many years -.then was placedin the middle of Clan Gregor Square with an, artillery piece of World War 1 beside it. And more generations of children played on and around • it. Then. alas, some over -patriotic councillors. gave it as scrap to make a more modern gun in World War 11. Other towns cities kept theirs but. Bayfield gave its one and only Big Gun in the cause of freedom. The Signal Pole New Era Aug. 26. 1887 - •'A storm drum was up Tuesday last." This refers to the black signals put on the tall signal pole It down on the lake blank at the end of Bayfield Terrace to tell fishermen and others the kind of weather that was comingisaed to information was telegrap Gardner's and a man would be sent down to put up . the . ap- propriatesignal. Sept, 18. 1896 - "The Govern- ment is not slow in having the Signal Pole which was shattered by lightning in August replaced by one some ten feet taller. is hoer War ctitinon. rehmembered as "'The Blg Gun" was given to hayfield In the late 1896's. For years it was situated at the Potnt(Slgnal Pole) and was later moved to the Square.. During the Second World War It over - was given for scrap by patriotic councillors. Imbibed One local gentleman who had imbibed rather freely at one of the hotels. left and then returned breathless and told the others. "1 followed a fellow's tracks and , then down there. a big bird must have come and picked him up." The truth was that a man walking home had sat down an a log at the other side of the bridge and .put on his snowshoes. • p� .,u 11M•hi 4s\'\\\\\'\\\\\\\\\\`\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\%\\\t\\l\\\\\•\ r 9�ilty�l AW\\\\\\\\\Y►\\\\'\\\\\\\\fir,, HAPPY .,. 100th ` ' ► ` A EIEE It too Imo au ootrowit Ptoesurel worked e fillsoit With you In connectio* w 'VOW XI} '► 40014 Weather and all that makes for a happy amt BU.L RIRIIL C.A,S. Calendar and specialty Advertising Clinton. Ontario. i i E CON'GR ATULATIQNS --- TO THE VILLAGE -OF BAYf1ELQ CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PROGRESS_ 1876-1976 from NAY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY Zurich - Ontario Agents: Elgin Hendrick, Dashwood 238-2611 565-5211 Jack Scotchmer. Bayfield 237-3229 70 Glenn Webb. Dashwood Elmore' McBride. President. WE'RE EXPANDING TO .SERVE YOU BETTER 0 John R. C.onsitt. Secretary•Manager. Happy Birthday Bayfield FROM Graham's .GENERAL STORE Pat, Wynn, Barb. Nancy and John BAYFIELD 565-2947 • Groceries • Fresh vegetables and fruit • Meats fresh and cured • Souvenirs & cards & magazines • Kitchen accessories patent medicines • Convenience items • Uncle John's Cabin - featuring dipped ice cream 'y , "91 WE DON'T HAVE IT... YOU DON'T NEED IT." This store Has Served Rayfield for Over 100 Years WPC, C2