The Arthur and District Historical Society continues to bring history to life.
Its most recent chapter involved the unveiling of the mural at the intersection of George and Charles Street in Arthur that recognizes the impact of Jones Baseline on both Arthur village and the geography of southern Ontario.
In his introduction, society member Ian Turner noted that while it was a chilly day in Arthur for the dedication on May 11, “the weather wasn’t great for Augustus Jones and his party of 13, seven of whom were native people, surveying from Burlington Bay all the way to near Arthur (at the Conestogo River).”
Turner described the mural as depicting problems encountered by Jones, from black bears to mosquitoes to rattlesnakes.
“But he made it, and it is long overdue that the party was recognized,” said Turner .
He explained the baseline survey served as the basis of the Six Nations land grant. He added that even today, the Jones Baseline serves as a boundary for many local municipalities.
“The mural itself takes many people to put it together,” said Turner.
Faye Craig, head of the mural committee, pointed out representatives from both the local and the Wellington County historical societies worked on it.
“Many months ago, almost a year-and-a-half ago, the process started of designing and planning this beautiful mural for this community,” said Craig.
“We have a fabulous historical society in this community. It is very supportive of each other and I am very grateful to chair the mural committee.”
Craig also spoke of the work required for the planning and design of the mural.
“Our wonderful Jones Baseline survey mural is all paid for, as well as the other two murals which adorn our community.”
She noted the efforts of artist Cliff Smith and that this was the second mural the artist has created for the community.
Smith thanked the Woodland Cultural Centre for offering some insights into native
history and the Wellington County Museum and Archives for providing considerable documentation regarding the survey.
Smith spoke to the audience on the context of the survey.
While researching the Jones Baseline survey, Smith came across a sculpture of Jones in Stoney Creek, which he believed would make a great visual start to the survey mural, since Arthur is at the other end of the survey.
Smith said “once the survey crew arrived in Arthur, they realized they were not at the source of the Grand River (the intended destination).”
He said there was a disagreement between one of the natives and the surveyor, which is why the mural depicts a native pointing in one director and the surveyor pointing in another. Smith added the animals portrayed in the mural also had a great impact on the crew. He said there are documents indicating roughly 400 to 700 rattlesnakes were killed between Lake Ontario and Arthur during the work.
The chains which are depicted along the top and bottom of the mural are referred to as a Gunter’s chain used for surveying.
Smith said he enjoyed the historical journey researching the mural.
“It was only 221 years ago that this survey was done. When I look at the developmental changes since that time, it is amazing how fast everything has changed. I hope everyone enjoys my rendition of this historical event.”
Wellington North Mayor Ray Tout said, “It is amazing to see what went through Cliff’s eyes as he was painting this.
“You see the tough times, tough weather and tough conditions of what the people in the past (dealt with) to put us where we geographically are today. It is such an interesting part of our history just to see how we got here.”
Tout said the municipality is proud to have been able to help out with the mural, but offered additional kudos to both the local historical society and the mural committee.
“I think this is a beautiful addition to our main street.”
