The Owen Sound Cenotaph was dedicated on December 1, 1920, in honour of those who gave their lives in the First World War. It was erected by the City of Owen Sound and the Townships of Sydenham, Keppel, Derby and Sarawak. Designed by Emanuel Hahn, water flows from the top of the cenotaph down the carved face of the column to a basin, with a frog resting above it, where it streams through decorative channels to a pool at ground level. At the top of the column a bronze dove holds an olive branch in its bill. On the face of the monument, there is a line from the poem “For the Fallen” composed by English poet Laurence Binyon in 1914.
On May 30, 1982, the cenotaph was re-dedicated to also recognize those who fought in the Second World War and Korean War.
Over time, several changes were made to the cenotaph. The most significant change was the removal of water from the composition. The basin was replaced by a large raised concrete plinth. The existing bronze dove was created and donated by Massey artist John Mieshnikowski and installed in the early 1980’s when he relocated to the community. Its stylized appearance, scale and material are very similar to the original cast bronze dove which has been lost and this new dove has become an important part of the cenotaph. Three plaques and a bronze cross were added to the face of the cenotaph. One of the plaques covered engraved dates.
In October of 2007, a report was commissioned to develop a plan to conserve and restore the Cenotaph. Wendy Shearer Landscape Architect, MHBC Planning Limited and Sue Maltby, Conservation Consultant were hired for the conservation and restoration of the cenotaph. Construction work on the cenotaph was undertaken by Allen Hastings Ltd. In 2009, with assistance from a Federal Grant and funds from the City and Georgian Bluffs, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 6) and Cobble Beach, efforts to restore the Cenotaph began.
One of the original features of the cenotaph, a cast bronze frog was missing. Ms. Qenefer Browne, executor and daughter of Emanuel Hahn donated a cast bronze frog that was created by Elizabeth Wyn Wood (wife of Emanuel Hahn) in 1937. This frog was added to the cenotaph to replace the missing feature. It is a symbolic figure demonstrating the life giving qualities of the water. A rededication ceremony was held on November 9, 2009. The water was turned on and continues to trickle today.
The cross and plaques were removed from the face of the cenotaph and installed on a new stone monument located near the existing cenotaph.
