Uxbridge Times THE NEW
Established in 1991
Vol. 30 • Issue 12
Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free
UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg
december 2021
New life for Common Cannon by Christine Beauchaine Generations of Uxbridge kids can remember playing around the cannon. A 1973 gift from the local VFW post to the town, the cannon sat on the Uxbridge town common until around 2017. Unfortunately, it sat directly on the grass. Years of exposure caused the wooden wheels to deteriorate, to the point where it was considered hazardous to leave the cannon on the common and it was removed for safety. The elements weren’t kind to the rest of the cannon either. Now, a group of concerned citizens, calling themselves “Friends of the Cannon” hope to preserve this artillery piece. Operating without a budget from the town, the Friends of the Cannon have begun fundraising efforts to restore the cannon. The project has been in the works for a couple of years now but was delayed due to the pandemic. The cannon is a German 10cm Krupp K17. It was captured at the end of World War I, in the late fall of 1918, in the Argonne Forest in France as a “spoil of war” by the 77th Division of the US Army. Although many men in the 77th division were from New York, Arkansas and Maine, several officers and signal corpsmen were from Massachusetts and trained at Fort Devens. This might explain how the cannon ended up in Uxbridge although the exact story remains unclear. The Friends of the Cannon estimate it will cost around $24,000 to restore it completely. New aluminum wheels to replace the rotted wooden ones, will cost $6,000 alone. The cannon will need to be sandblasted, re-welded and re-painted. At some point, the cannon was painted green although it’s original color is closer to a light blue grey. Recovering the cannon’s original color is part of the restoration plan. A concrete slab has been donated by Dauphinais Concrete. The restored cannon will rest on this slab, giving it some protection from the elements. The Friends of the Cannon estimate that it will take 6 to 12 months to complete the
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restoration. An account has been set up at UniBank in Uxbridge to accept donations. The Friends of the Cannon have also partnered with Uxbridge VFW Post 1385. Donations can also be made by making a check out to VFW Post 1385 and putting “cannon” in the memo field. The cannon will be on display at the Farnum House during the Uxbridge First Holiday Night celebration on December 4, 2021. A donation box will be available on the town common during the festivities as well. The Uxbridge cannon is only one of three of its type known to exist in North America. The Friends of the Cannon feel that one of the best things about Uxbridge is the value the town places on history. They feel that the town “is fortunate to have such a significant piece in its possession” and that “efforts should be made to preserve its existence for future generations.” They would like to thank Unibank, VFW Post 1385, LW Tank and Dauphinais Concrete for their support with this project. The Friends of the Cannon are Brian Plasko, Kelly Herrera, Dennis Seely, Brian O’Neill, Thomas Taft and Tracy Quinton. The group includes both veterans and nonveterans. See photos on page 11
WINTER WONDERLAND - Southwick's Zoo presents Winter Wonderland celebrating the Festival of Illumination like you have never seen before! Visitors can expect a magical night with friends and family during the Spectacular Drive Thru Holiday Lights Tour. The event is ongoing until January 2nd, For more information, see page 7.
Uxbridge receives $1.25M for Douglas St. Improvements Representative Michael J. Soter is thrilled to announce that MassDOT District 3 has committed funding of $1.25 Million to the town of Uxbridge for additional improvements to the Douglas Street/Route 16 area. Information was released shortly after the Baker/Polito administration announced that Uxbridge would receive a separate $1.25 Million in the latest round of MassWorks grant funding for improvements to the Douglas Street/Route 16 area. The proposed project, which includes redesigned ramp intersections and improved bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, provides a significant PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
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improvement to the safety of the area. These projects are a substantial improvement to both regional access to and from Route 146 and along the eastwest corridor for surrounding towns. MassDOT recognizes that this level of regional access and multi-modal improvements is beyond what is typically identified as mitigation for the anticipated truck traffic from the proposed developments and has committed to funding an agreement for $1,250, 000, in support of the MassWorks project. “Many years of discussions, planning, and advocating have paid off,” commented State Representative Michael J.
Soter. “This funding will help to propel this project forward and promote the growth of the Route 146 and Route 16 area. The implementation of proper intersections and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will bolster the roadway and create safe multi-modal options for travel. I want to thank the Baker/Polito Administration and MassDOT District 3 for recognizing the importance of this project and the potential here in Uxbridge.” Steve Sette, Uxbridge Town Manager commented, “I would like to thank State Representative Soter for his advocacy on this project. Uxbridge is thrilled to receive a combined $2.5M in
Camping World Coat and Toy Drive Camping World of Uxbridge, 865 Quaker Highway, will be hosting a toy drive for teens and kids, supported by local veterans, as well as a coat drive. Gently worn or new. Donation boxes are located in the sales office
lobby. Donations will be accepted during their normal business hours. Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday’s 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
funding from the MassWorks grant program and from MassDOT District 3 to make the necessary infrastructure enhancements to the Route 146/Route 16 interchange. These improvements will expand the usability of the area and increase the quality of life for residents. This is an exciting area of Uxbridge, and its continued development will positively impact the town through revenues and additional job opportunities.” This project will work to support the ongoing development of this section of Uxbridge and promote safer more efficient roadway infrastructure in the town.
~ INDEX ~ Town News.........Page 4 Society……....…Page 17 School News....Page 19 Senior Corner.....Page 21 Business News...Page 23 Classified...........Page 26