Two statues journey through Stratford’s past by Nancy Musselman

Two statues are etched into the collective memory of Stratford locals, but their current whereabouts seem to be a bit of a mystery.

The lion that once perched proudly atop the Court House roof and the wooden figure standing with his arm outstretched, wearing his feather headdress and a powder horn outside the United Cigar Store at Downie Street and Ontario Street. If you have wondered where they have gone this question can now be answered.

In 1857, a striking wooden figure was carved from a basswood tree that had been felled near Romeo Creek, on the future site of Stratford’s old City Hall. Standing 4½ feet tall, the statue was the work of Mr. Texter, a talented Italian immigrant and woodcarver who had settled in Stratford with his family.

Although Mr. Texter possessed remarkable artistic skill—producing both marble and wooden sculptures—life for early settlers was harsh, and financial reward for any craft was meagre. Tragically, two of Mr. Texter’s children died from starvation. Moved by the family’s hardship, local merchant John A. Scott sent his wife to the Texters with food. Mrs. Texter, although appreciative of the gift of food, she was wrought with grief and cried, “you are too late”. While visiting, Mrs. Scott noticed several of Mr. Texter’s marble and wooden works and purchased the carved wooden figure—referred to as “the Indian”—for $100.These monies allowed for the debts accumulated by the family to be paid.

Eventually, Mr. Texter left Stratford. Before departing, he placed two marble sculptures on the graves of his lost children, though these were later removed or lost.

From 1856 to 1869, the wooden carving stood in front of Scott’s store, and when Scott relocated his business to the site now occupied by the Royal Bank, the statue was moved with him. During World War I, the wooden carving stood in front of the old Post Office, hand outstretched, serving as a symbolic fundraiser—$100 bills were placed in his powder horn to support the war effort. In the past certain segments of streets were identified with a name. The Indian Block was attributed to this carving being in that location on Market St. (now Downie St.)

Over the years, the wooden carving became a familiar figure on Ontario and Downie Streets, stationed outside the United Cigar Store. He later found a home with the Stratford Historical Society and was stored in the basement of the library. Occasionally, he emerged for special events, such as appearances with the Stratford Indians hockey team and at the inaugural meeting of the Perth County Historical Foundation in 1966. He was stored in the library’s basement. At one point, he suffered a broken arm, but it was expertly repaired by Doug Krempien, a skilled carpenter and woodworker who had a shop behind Galbraith’s store on Erie Street, next to Avon Knit. He became a prop maker for The Festival.

Eventually, the statue was moved to the Stratford-Perth Museum archives, where he remains today.

For many years the terra cotta panels on the Perth County Courthouse were believed to have been designed by the architect George F. Durand, and created by London stone carver, John Matheson, who was a subcontractor when the courthouse was built in the 1880s. However, nearly a century after they were installed, the real artist’s signature was discovered during renovations to the exterior of the building. Henri Plasschaert, a prominent terra cotta artist, is believed to be the actual sculptor. Notably, Plasschaert also created the terra cotta lion, originally intended for the apex of the courthouse roof. Unfortunately, Durand passed away before the building’s completion, and the lion was placed at the building’s front entrance. In 1967, as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations, the lion was positioned atop the courthouse. However, subsequent inspections revealed that it was precariously attached, leading to its removal and storage, until now. I contacted the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport Conneticut , Dr DAryn Reyman-Lock sent historical information regarding Henri Plasschaert and his association with the terra-cotta world. Based on this information one could assume the terra cotta carvings were shipped from the USA. However, Durand also signed one of the shields on the courthouse so either he visited the artist, or they were made in Stratford. It requires more research on my part.

When Mr Justice Ian Leach approached Dawna Robertson with the project to repair the original Lion it was not viable due to the breakage of the lion.

The idea of replicating Percy as Dawna Robertson nicknamed him due to the PC on the shield was suggested. Her replica she named in honor of the sculptor, Henri Plasschaert.

Dawna Robertson an outstanding Artisan, lives in Stratford and spent over 1200 hours creating Percy’s twin, Henry. The first decision, (to go ahead with the making of one or more fibreglass replicas, using the replica Dawna Robertson made to create the necessary mold), will be up to the County if it goes back up onto the courthouse or anywhere else on the site. Mr Justice Ian Leach transported Dawna's replica to Ajax Rick Baker at Plastiglas to facilitate getting a quote from the manufacturer on the cost of using that to create one or more fibreglass replicas of Percy for (hopefully) placement back on the courthouse. It is now in the hands of the County to hopefully see this proud new Lion atop the courthouse where he was meant to be.

To see the Stratford and District Historical Society documentary of this undertaking, https://sdhs2019.ca/percy-henry-documentary/

The original Terra cotta Lion can now be seen at the Stratford Perth Archives for all to enjoy.

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