By TONY RICCIUTO / Niagara Falls Review Updated 1 hour ago
Queen Victoria's monument, once used as a drinking fountain and a watering trough for horses, is back in front of the Niagara Falls History Museum, a short distance from where it sat before it had to be moved due to the construction of the new $10-million expansion.
"It was moved about 200 metres from where it was," said Kevin Windsor, curator of the Niagara Falls Museum, who was on site Wednesday morning and watched construction workers lower the heavy monument into place using a giant crane.
The monument was erected in 1901, the year Queen Victoria died, and it was originally at the corner of Main and Ferry sts., where now sits a convenience store.
"Soldiers from both the United States and Canada were here to dedicate the monument to Queen Victoria and to peace," said Windsor.
In 1923, it was moved to the Stamford township hall, which is now the Niagara Falls History Museum.
Once the construction was started, the monument was wrapped up and moved to the parking lot at the back of the museum near the farmers market.
"Things are going great here at the construction site. Everything has been moving along really well and the inside is looking great," said Windsor.
There was a bit of a squabble about the best site for the monument, but a compromise was eventually reached between the city's museums' board and the municipal heritage committee, a group that advises council on how to preserve the city's architectural heritage.
It was decided to put the monument on the northeast corner of the museum building that is located on Ferry St., at Sylvia Place.
Don Jackson, fundraising chair for the Legacy Project, said the relocation of the Queen Victoria monument was a major concern because it was right on the spot where the new addition is now located.
"I think it's in an excellent location. It's going to be a showpiece and it goes right along with what we are doing," said Jackson, noting that decision was reached through "good constructive talks" between the museum, the city and the municipal heritage committee.
The Legacy Project includes the addition of gallery and exhibition space on the west side of the museum building, improved access to Lundy's Lane National Historic Site, and it provides a understanding of the unique history of the city of Niagara Falls, the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lundy's Lane.
Jackson said there was a bit of concern when the monument was going to be taken out because they weren't quite sure if it should be taken apart and put back together, or lift it out in one piece. They were afraid it might come apart when it was being lifted.
"It needs a little bit of work, there are some stones that have to be replaced, but in the end this is going to be an exciting addition," said Jackson.
He noted the monument had to be moved from its original location at Main and Ferry because it was a traffic hazard.
"It was two lanes back then and when they expanded Lundy's Lane it had to be moved."
Jackson said this project has been one of the most interesting things he has ever worked on and he's looking forward to the opening of the new museum.
"We have a committee in place to plan the opening and it's going to be a great event. Once people see the final product inside, they will realize that the investment was worth it and that the city is fortunate to have it."
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