Artifact Gallery
A sample of some of the most historically significant artifacts in our
collection.
Nepean Family Bible (990.3.1)
The Nepean Family Bible was donated to the Nepean Museum
by a bequest made by Life Member Miss Lois Long in 1990. The Bible, published
by Baskerville in 1763, is a folio sized edition that weights 26 pounds
and contains 6 pages of hand-written genealogical information on the Nepean
Family, penned by several members of the family themselves. The Bible
has a rich burgundy gold tooled cover and exquisitely marbled end paper
in both the front and the back. It was purchased in 1990 for $1,000.00
from Henry Sotheran Ltd. Antiquarian Booksellers, in London, U.K. This
Nepean Family heirloom, owned at one point by Sir Evan Nepean himself,
is one the most historically significant artifacts held within our collection.
Letter written by Sir Evan Nepean
(on permanent loan from the ByTown Museum)
This letter, hand-written by our former City's Namesake
was penned to Evan Nepean's associate and colleague "Lewis"
from Nepean 's home in Whitehall on September 1st, 1793. The letter reveals
information concerning the strength and whereabouts of Naval vessels.
The Tierney Family Clock (996.29.1)
This clock, once used by the Tierney family of Bell's
Corners was donated by a member of the National Association of Watch and
Clock Collectors, Chapter 111 (Nepean), in the memory of one of the Association's
past presidents, Mr. Maury Hole. The clock was made in Forestville, Connecticut
Ca. in 1880 by the E.N. Welch Manufacturing Co. The Tireney family farms
were located at lots 27 to 30 on concession 6 in Nepean. Sadly, the 1862
stone home that existed on the land was demolished in 1976.
The
original, hand-written receipt that is pictured here was found inside
the clock; where it had been stored as a keepsake by the Tierney family.
The receipt is for a payment on a mortgage, dated May 8th, 1918, from
James Tierney to his son Thomas. The receipt reads: "Received from
Thos. Tierney third payment on mortgage of $72.00 interest and $400.00
on remaining mortgage. (signed) James Tierney."
Mayor's Chain of Office (copy)
The Chain of Office was donated by the former Mayor
of Nepean, Mary Pitt in 2000. Since it officially became a City, in 1978,
Nepean has had only three Mayors: Andrew Haydon (1978); Ben Franklin (1978-1997);
and Mary Pitt (1997-2000). Nepean was amalgamated with the "new"
City of Ottawa on January 1st, 2001: a decision that was not popular among
"Nepeanites" who enjoyed a debt free City with a substantial
reserve fund, accountable government, and familiar amenities and staff.
The large medallion features the City of Nepean's crest,
based historically upon the Coat of Arms of the Nepean Family of England.
The medallion reads: "City of Nepean, November 24, 1978 - Township
of Nepean Incorporated 1850." The links of the chain are all formed
in the Nepean "bell logo" shape and three of them bear the names
and dates of service of the Mayors of Nepean.
The Nelson Trophy (998.5.1)
This trophy was donated by R.E. Nelson, Reeve of Nepean
and President of the City View Hockey Club, to the Nepean Amateur Hockey
League for its annual competitions. The trophy exchanged hands between
only two hockey teams: Bells Corners Hockey Club won the trophy in 1929,
City View Hockey Club won it the following year, and Bell Corners won
it back in 1931 and kept it with their win in 1932. The Nepean Amateur
Hockey League closed down in 1932, after only four years of existence;
probably due to the costs of administrating a hockey club during the depression.
Model of the Nepean Sportsplex sign (2001.95.1)
This model was produced as a concept for the Nepean
Sportsplex sign and mirrors what stands there as present.
The Nepean Sportsplex was a new concept for the City of Nepean; one that
many people were opposed to at first. The idea of having one large (and
expensive) multi-functional sports facility in a central location did
not appeal to everyone, however, since its opening in June, 1973 the Sportsplex
has proved a great success and has paid for its 5 million dollar price
tag several times over. The Sportsplex houses pools, hockey rinks, curling
rinks, squash courts, rental rooms, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and
hiking and cross-country skiing trails. It is now a nationally recognized
facility that hosts tournaments and competitions involving all of the
National Capital Region.
Fenian Raid Medal (992.3.1)
This sterling silver medal was awarded to Cpl. Adam
Abbott, a member of the Bell's Corners Rifle Company who helped defend
against the Fenians. Cpl. Abbott received two bars (1866 and 1870) for
his service. The Bells Corners Rifle Company never saw active combat.
As an item of interest, one way to determine authenticity with Common
Wealth medals awarded for service is that the name of the recipient is
engraved on the edge, a practice that was discontinued shortly after the
first World War.
Twin Elm School Hand Bell (992.5.1)
This is the original hand bell from Twin Elm School
(SS #8). It was donated by Winnifred Armour in 1992 who actually taught
at Twin Elm and used this bell. The bell is made of brass and has a walnut
handle that was painted black at one point. An interesting feature of
this bell is that the clapper is improvised with a nut and a piece of
wire. The exact date of the bell's construction is unknown but is estimated
to be circa 1912.
Illuminated Nepean Bell Sign (2002.5.1)
This sign was originally displayed on the library
side of the Nepean City Hall on Centerpointe Drive. The sign is a stylized
representation of the Nepean Bell, constructed of metal and acrylic and
lit with fluorescent tubing.
Nepean Flags and Banners
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