Bracebridge Memorial Fountain

 

 
Bracebridge, Ontario

The Town of Bracebridge established a Park in June 1900 as a Memorial to Fred Wasdell and James Findlay who had been killed at Paardeberg, South Africa in the Boer War. Property was purchased and added to the market lots, which the Town already owned. The stables and other buildings were removed, grass was planted and the fountain was installed, but never connected to a water supply. Later a bandstand was built and symbolic cannons were placed. Mr. Thomas used a balance of the concert funds and his own money to put a plaque on the bandshell commemorating Mr. Wasdell and Mr. Findlay.

In 1959 when a Cenotaph was erected, the fountain was moved to Kelvin Grove Park. In June 1969, Council gave Brenda Cox, Thomas' granddaughter, permission to take the fountain, which was deteriorating, to her home. She gave the fountain to the newly restored Woodchester Villa in 1980. With the cooperation of the Historical Society and Town Council, the fountain has been restored to a suitable location in the Park close to where it started out 100 years ago.

The fountain was officially rededicated on July 1, 2000.

Back Main Menu