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Restored WWI cannon to be dedicated at Veterans Memorial Park

Appeal-Democrat - 12/9/2017

Dec. 09--A World War I-era cannon, once rusted and dilapidated from the weather, has been spruced up and given a new home.

The 75mm French-made cannon, built in 1917 and gifted to the city of Marysville by Camp Beale before its closure 40 years later, was removed from City Hall and is now installed at Veterans Memorial Park. A dedication is planned for today.

Marysville City Council member Dale Whitmore helped restore the cannon, known as the French 75, with help from some local businesses.

"It first came to Cortez Square and was there until 1960 when the courthouse was built, then it was moved to City Hall," Whitmore said. "It was removed from City Hall about five years ago because the wheels were rotting, which made it a safety hazard, plus it was an eyesore."

Whitmore, who served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1970-72, said Ken Alameida, superintendent of the Public Works Department, and others helped with the cannon repair project.

The cannon was originally donated to the city in July 1947 by General James R. Weaver, commander of Camp Beale, in memory of Camp Beale of World War II, according to a press release from the city.

Camp Beale became Beale Air Force Base on April 1, 1951.

"It's a 75mm model 1857 canon built in 1917 outside of Paris, France," Whitmore said. "There were thousands and thousands of them built up until WWII."

The cannon wheels were restored by Ace Composites, powder coating was done by Sanchez Powder Coating and Chuck Watson Machine Shop handled the metal work.

KNOW & GO

WHAT: Cannon Re-dedication Ceremony.

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017.

WHERE: Veteran's Memorial Park, 715 5th St., Marysville.

MORE INFO: 749-3902.

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(c)2017 the Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, Calif.)

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