I can't let February go by without acknowledging Black History Month in Canada, a month in which we recognize the contributions that black members of our communities have made. The situation is very different in Canada compared to the U.S., with a relatively small black population here. But at an early stage in our history there were some black slaves here.
The symbol of black history locally is this memorial in Harrison Park in Owen Sound, site of the annual Emancipation Festival. Thought to be the oldest in North America, it started in 1862 and is still going strong.
I think this is one of the nicest memorials for any reason that I've seen. It's simple but symbolic and I think very meaningful. It is of course meant to resemble a ruined pioneer church, and it was built with stones donated from several American states.
And the front is paved with flagstone, nine of which have embedded quilt patterns.
Just one of the big donated stones.
And a selection of the quilt patterns, with sayings from the times. Owen Sound was said to be the terminus of the Underground Railway, and had a small but thriving black community in the late 1800s as a result.
There are several plaques that are very informative. It's a nice place to stop when we visit the park.
Oh, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it with me, and I will make an effort to see it before I leave this earth.
ReplyDeleteAs a quilter, I've studied a few books that feature history of some of these amazing quilt designs.
ReplyDeleteSimple and elegant. Unfortunately, the contributions of people of African ancestry to our history has been all to often ignored in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI remember, faintly, reading a book, and when the people were in danger, the ladies hung quilts outside and each design or colour had a special meaning or warning. The title and author are long forgotten, but the memorial reminded me. Lovely flagstones and archways.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely memorial.
ReplyDeleteA very nice memorial to visit
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to the courage of those who were the stations on the railroad and those who traveled it.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and yet simplistic memorial. Very fitting
ReplyDeleteMB
What beautiful stones! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is quite poignant.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful memorial. They made a great display and great symbols used for it.
ReplyDeleteI like that memorial. Well thought out and especially with the quilts.
ReplyDeleteHello, how can I get in touch with you to talk about your photos?
ReplyDeleteTry my email, shilts@uoguelph.ca.
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