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These bas-relief medallions
were created by Canadian Sculptor Emanuel Hahn (1881-1875), and were carved
by Louis Temporale. Originally they were installed in the Memorial
Arch (Clifton Gate) at Niagara Falls, Ontario, when it was erected in 1938
and dedicated to the early pioneers (including William Lyon MacKenzie,
the first Mayor of Toronto). The Arch was demolished in 1967.
The medallions were acquired recently from the Niagara Parks Commission
and later following restoration they were installed here on the original
waterfront of the Town of York.
Toronto Historical Board,
1986
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Rene-Robert Cavelier Sieur
de la Salle (1643-1687), a dauntless explorer of the central wilderness
of North America, was inspired to build the 'Griffin' in his efforts to
establish a French colony, this the first sailing ship to venture into
the Great Lakes, was built in the winter of 1679 near Niagara Falls.
Later that year during the initial voyage on the Upper Lakes, she vanished
without a trace.
During the war of 1812, the
British and American squadrons vied for superiority on Lake Ontario.
The British, under the Commander Sir James Yeo, won this contest in September
1814 when they launched HMS St. Lawrence at Kingston. The 'St. Lawrence'
pierced for 112 guns, swung the balance of naval power overwhelmingly to
the British for the remainder of the war.
Toronto Historical Board,
1986 |
Outdoor Art in Toronto
Downtown
