THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN POST

June 5, 1913

 

STORY OF THAT OLD CANNON

 

Cast in 1822.  Used Forth of July Mornings When Waupaca Celebrated.

 

            The report that the old cannon in the court yard was used in the war of 1812 which recently appeared in print has given the New London Press an opportunity to make up a good story to the effect that the canon was cast by Rice Bros. of Stevens Point when they had a foundry at Weyauwega, though the Press is careful not to fix the date.

            The truth of the matter is that the old cannon has just been returned to its position in the court yard, after having some spokes and sections of the felloe replaced at the Page Knight wagon shop. It was also repainted and the date, 1822, cast in the cannon, is made conspicuous by being painted white so now one who runs may read it.

            The best authority seems to confirm the belief that the cannon was rejected for some reason at the opening of the Civil War and was “spiked” as may be seen by inspection today.  Some one thought a rejected cannon would be worth the pains to go to Fort Howard and haul it to Waupaca.

            The tube was drilled out so the canon might be used in waking the patriotic sentiment of this community as the booming echoes of the canon were reverberated over the hills and valleys at sun rise on Fourth of July mornings.  On one of these occasions the late A. Arnold lost a hand which was shot off by the old cannon that is now at peace with itself and the would be historians.