Memorial parkette will honour the past

How would you like to have your name, or that of a loved one, cast in stone? You can by purchasing an engraved granite paver to be mounted at the new memorial parkette at Fort Townshend in front of the old Memorial University College building on Parade Street in St. John’s, now the completely refurbished Memorial Campus of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

This memorial parkette, now under construction, will honour this historic site, formerly the Parade Grounds for the garrison at Fort Townshend and, later, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. In 1924, the Memorial University College building was completed and first housed the Normal School for training teachers. Then, in 1925, Memorial University College joined the Normal School until 1933, when the latter was combined with MUC. With Confederation in 1949, MUC became Memorial University and occupied the site until 1961 when it moved to its new campus on Elizabeth Avenue. From 1964-85, the former College of Fisheries, now the Marine Institute on Ridge Road, was steward of the building on Parade.

The St. John’s campus of the former Avalon Community College also occupied the building for about five years during its short tenure.

Three storyboards mounted on the site will highlight the history of each institution and the parkette will also comprise monuments with the engraved crests of the institutions, the RNC, and a caribou head, with “lest we forget” honouring those who died in the First and Second World Wars, for whom “Memorial” is named.

A commemorative plaque, remembering those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the First World War, was mounted at the entrance in September 2014 during Phase 1 of the project. At that time, a small committee of MUN and College of Fisheries alumni, along with representatives of the RNC, was struck to manage the project.

The sale of paving stones, which will form the base of the monument, is primarily intended to honour those who served in any of the major world conflicts, or attended any of the institutions, or were former members of the RNC, but anyone may purchase a stone, engraved to their specifications. There are two sizes: six by 12 inches for $200, with a maximum of 75 characters (including spaces); and one foot by one foot for $350 with a maximum of 150 characters (including spaces).

Stones can be purchased from the Grand Concourse Authority, which is constructing the site, at 439 Allandale Rd., St. John’s, A1B 4E8, telephone (709) 737-1077. Tax receipts will be issued for the donation portion of the cost.

The official opening of the site will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m.

With Confederation in 1949, MUC became Memorial University and occupied the site until 1961 when it moved to its new campus on Elizabeth Avenue.

Robert (Bob) T. Lemessurier, chair Memorial on Parade Commemorative Project