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Cultural Musings on Chatham-Kent
JAMES PARIS LEE AND ROBERTSON DAVIES IMPRESSED THE WORLD
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The price of gas is too high for too many long auto adventures this summer, so why don't we explore the exciting local history in our own back yard by visiting the sites of two historical plaques commemorating individuals that were not only of local importance but had international importance as well.Our first mission takes us to the northern regions of Chatham-Kent where, in the Town of Wallaceburg, we will be seeking out Civic Square Park on the banks of the lovely Sydenham River in Downtown Wallaceburg.
The plaque we are searching for here bears the rather romantic name of one James Paris Lee ( 1831-1904). This plaque is quite revealing and very informative and gives us a concise glimpse into one of the world's foremost 19th century arms inventors. James Paris Lee was born in Scotland, came to Canada ( Galt) in 1836 and was destined to follow in his father's footsteps and become a watchmaker and jeweler.
However, in 1858 Lee moved to Wisconsin and began to spend much more of his time inventing that watch repairing. It was on one of his trips back to Canada that he visited his brother John Lee who owned a prosperous foundry in Wallaceburg. According to local lore, it was in Wallaceburg that, in 1878, James Paris Lee fired the very first Lee Rifle embodying the innovative "box magazine".
Tradition has it that Lee fired the first bullet coming out of this box-type magazine across the Sydenham and that it completely pierced a heavy oak beam. This first shot in Wallaceburg heralded the start of the famous Lee-Enfield Rifle ( 1895) which revolutionized military operations the world over. This weapon remained a standard British weapon for over sixty years and certainly places Wallaceburg at a very important juncture in history's turning points. A short rip from anywhere in Chatham-Kent, it is certainly worth the time and effort.
When you leave the Lee Plaque in Downtown Wallaceburg, head east towards the lovely little hamlet of Thamesville on the banks ( well...sort of) of the picturesque Thames River. Once in the town, head towards their lovely former town hall (which is worth a visit on its own). Over the years this magnificent structure has been used as, besides a town hall, a school house, a library, a police station and now houses the Shirley Bain Museum Room.
Shirley Bain who died a few years ago was a tireless promoter and superb historian who spent a good portion of her life attempting to bring Thamesville's history to life in one form or another.
One of her most successful projects ( and there were many) was the erection of a plaque to commemorate the town's most famous citizen - Robertson Davies ( 1913-1995). Davies born at 145 Elizabeth Street was the son of Rupert Davies who, at the time, was the owner/publisher of the Thamesville Herald.
Although Robertson Davies only lived five years in Thamesville, he later immortalized the town in one of Canada's most famous novels entitled FIFTH BUSINESS. If you have not read this novel, you should do so this summer as you will have great fun tracking down all the buildings from Thamesville ( Deptford in the novel) that he mentions and are, for the most part, still there.
Robertson Davies, like James Paris Lee, had his influence felt well beyond the confines of Chatham Kent. Davies is recognized as one of Canada's foremost novelists, playwrights and journalists and is widely read throughout the world.
So there you have it...this Sunday's drive all mapped out for you. However, before you embark on this voyage, I suggest that you read a little more about James Paris Lee and his rifle as well as reading some of Davies' works ( especially FIFTH BUSINESS).
A little research before you visit these plaques will not only greatly enhance your visit but make you realize, once again, that Chatham-Kent really is a very interesting place, if you take the time and make the effort to get to know it and actually experience it.
Jim and Lisa Gilbert are local, national and international award winning educators and historians.
