The history of the War Memorial stone at the head of Gore and Wellington Streets is interesting, and has some unusual aspects. It was erected as a tribute to their fallen comrades by the New Ontario soldiers, and was unveiled at a memorial parade held on Sunday, August 12, 1923 (Sault Star).
The uncut stone is unique. It was quarried and brought down to Sault Ste. Marie, from up along the ACR, either by, or at the instigation of William Merrifield VC, who was a locomotive engineer on the railway at that time. The plot of land on which the monument was erected was deeded to the City of Sault Ste. Marie by James Dawson, who was then mayor of the city. It had come into his father's estate from a John Dawson.
Interestingly, at the time of the making over of the deed, the property was actually still in the Township of Korah, having been overlooked when the Town Of Steelton was surveyed. It is not known when this discrepancy was corrected. Note: At the time of this event, Northern Ontario was known as New Ontario.
The Algoma Steel Corporation laid the foundation and it was transferred to the site by the Northern Foundry where stonecutters from the Lake Superior Paper Company shaped it. The steps were installed by D.P. McPhail. Source: Sault Star, June 21, 1923.
Over the years, the land surrounding the memorial was reduced to accommodate traffic. The Legion has mounted a campaign to improve the landscaping around the memorial. Miss Kathy Smith, landscape architect, drew up the design.
