WARREN – A pair of historic bronze cannons that lived through the birth of the United States and two centuries of history only to be stolen, cut up and dumped unceremoniously in a Providence pond are one step closer to coming home to Warren.
The cannons, which fire six-pound balls, were cast in Strasbourg, France in 1760 and delivered by the French to the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War. They were fired in the Battle of Rhode Island, Rhode Island's only Revolutionary War engagement, and later arrived in Warren, where they stood sentry outside Warren Town Hall for generations. They were stolen in 1981 and fell off the radar screen until 1994, when they were found — in seven pieces — at the bottom of a Roger Williams Park pond.
Now, the Warren Federal Blues militia is nearly ready to reclaim them for the town.
After a nearly three-year restoration process at a Maryland foundry, the cannons are almost completely restored. Experts at Cannons Online of New Windsor, Md., have re-joined most of the cannon's sections and have also re-cast one of the guns' muzzles, which was missing when the pieces were found in 1994. Meanwhile, dolphin-shaped handles on each of the cannons have been re-created, and inscriptions on each that had been filed off are being re-cut. Federal Blues Capt. Edgar Hebert said he hopes to have the two cannons back within 60 days.
"When they're back, we're going to have a big celebration," he said. "It's been a long time."
The effort hasn't been easy. The Federal Blues and United Train of Artillery have held countless fundraisers to pay for the cannons' restoration, which will cost about $34,000. Though much of the money is raised, members still need to raise more, and the Federal Blues will hold a clamboil on Saturday, May 10 for that purpose (see side story).
While the cannons are being restored, work continues on the two carriages that will eventually hold the guns, said Capt. Hebert. In addition, the Federal Blues' headquarters has been restored, and the floor has been strengthened to accommodate the cannons' weight.
Though the cannons are owned by the Town of Warren, the Federal Blues have been appointed their curators. The Blues, first formed in 1798, disbanded after the War of 1812 but re-formed during the bicentennial celebration in 1976. Sadly, he said, the cannons will never again be fired — but at least they'll be back.
"Back when they were stolen, they were just lumps of metal to them," said Capt. Hebert. "But now they have tremendous value."
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Help the cause
What: Warren Federal Blues' annual benefit clamboil
When: Saturday, May 10. Arrive at 6 p.m., serving at 7 p.m.
Where: Fire Engine Co. 3, Vernon Street
What: Apart from the clamboil, there will be beer, wine, soft drinks, and a raffle with many prizes. Warren Federal Blues Capt. Ed Hebert said there will be "more clams than you can possibly eat."
How: Pay at the door or send checks to Federal Blues RIM, c/o Ed Hebert, 50 Patterson Ave. For information you can also e-mail him at inshouse98@aol.com.
Cost: $22 per person
Extras: Those who can't attend can still be entered into the raffle. Send a donation and your name will be included in the raffle.
By Ted Hayes
thayes@eastbaynewspapers.com