Please email your comments & questions to geovisual at comcast.net. Thank you.

50 Kiwanis Monuments
For US/Canadian Peace & Friendship
(1925-2013)


1925
Vancouver, BC
Harding Intl
Goodwill Mem

1935
AmbasadrBridge
Detroit/Windsor
First Marker

1939
Paterson, BC
Frontier, WA
Painted gold

1942
PortStnly,ON
1817+125yr
Only stone

1962
Lewiston, NY
Queenston, ON
Moved in 2013

1967
Fraser, BC
For Canadian
Confederation

2003
KlondkeRd
Alaska/BC
New Style

2013
Lewiston, NY
476 Center St
"Then & Now"

"A Lesson of Peace To All Nations"

Kiwanis International and scores of its local clubs erected 50 peace markers all along the unfortified boundary between the United States and Canada. This was one of the biggest examples of grass-roots monument building of all time. More than half of the markers still exist and continue to proclaim US/Canadian friendship "A Lesson of Peace To All Nations."

On June 23-26, 2016, 10,000 Kiwanians will meet in Toronto to celebrate a century of Kiwanis in Canada. The occasion seems purpose built to recognize the Kiwanis monuments as the century's supreme achievement. But -- so far as I can tell -- convention organizers are planning no exhibit, no press release, no book, no tour, no lecture, no new marker, no ceremony, and not even a magazine article or web page about the monuments. It seems that the labors of past Kiwanians have been forgotten and that Kiwanis International no longer feels any need to proclaim "A Lesson of Peace To All Nations" -- despite never ending tensions in other parts of the world.

I study peace monuments everywhere in the world, and I have featured the Kiwanis markers on my worldwide website since 2008. As soon as I heard about the forthcoming convention, I created an expanded web page about the Kiwanis markers. But there is only so much that I can do. I have tried numerous times -- but failed -- to find someone in Kiwanis willing to help me conduct further research and/or bring the markers to the attention of the forthcoming convention.

Unless something is done very quickly, it seems that the opportunity of this year's centennial will be lost forever -- and that the Kiwanis monuments still spread along the 8,891-kilometer border will continue to suffer the neglect of even the service organization which gave them life in the first place. What a shame for Kiwanis -- and for the cause of world peace.

by Edward W. Lollis as of May 17, 2016


Longest boundary in the world (blue line)

Presentation of first marker in 1935?

Kiwanis markers (32 as of 1961)

Story

The Kiwanis website asks "Do you have a story you would like to share? Simply send an email to ShareYourStory@kiwanis.org and tell us what you want us to know... Your story could end up on our website, in the Kiwanis magazine or in the KI Update email newsletter." On May 5, 2016, I accepted this invitation and submitted the "story" shown immediately below. Overnight, I received this rejection notice: "We have placed your story in our files to be considered for future use. Because of the number of reports received from clubs worldwide, I cannot advise if or when a story will be used. However, all submissions are considered and appreciated."

"A lesson of peace to all nations."

Kiwanis has done a lot to promote international friendship and peace.

Kiwanian Warren Harding was the first US president to visit Canada, and in 1925 Kiwanis built a lavish memorial to his memory in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Ten years later (in Kiwanis' 20th year) Kiwanis decided to spread the meaning of the Vancouver memorial all along the US-Canadian border (the longest border in the world).

A beautiful bronze "marker" was designed and made available to Kiwanis clubs on both siders of the border. The first went up on Ambassador Bridge, still the busiest of the more than 120 border crossings between the US and Canada. At least four more markers were erected on the border in 1935, seven in 1936, and eight more before World War II.

Each marker is inscribed:

"This unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the remembrance of the more than a century old friendship between these countries -- a lesson of peace to all nations."

More and more markers were placed after World War II. In all, there have been as many as forty-five. The most recent was erected in 2003 on the border between Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Sadly, many of the Kiwanis markers have had to give way to the continued expansion of border crossing capacity and security. Fortunately, you can still visit Kiwanis markers at more than twenty locations: Near the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario, at the Peace Arch on the highway between Seattle and Vancouver, at the International Peace Garden south of Winnipeg, and even in rural locations where border crossings are few.

In Lewiston, New York, the local Kiwanis members found out that authorities had to displace the Kiwanis marker when they removed sidewalks from a bridge over the Niagara River. So they repossessed the marker, created another marker explaining the original, and hung both on an historic house in the center of town.

In rural Saskatchewan, authorities made no effort to reconstruct the broken base of a Kiwanis marker. So an enterprising saloon owner got permission to move the marker across the border to Portal, North Dakota, where it can now be seen inside an Australian pub frequented by workmen from nearby shale oil fields.

Photos and other stories about the Kiwanis markers can be seen on two web pages I devote to the Kiwanis markers: http://peace.maripo.com/p_kiwanis.htm and http://peace.maripo.com/kiwanis_markers.htm.

If you visit these web pages, you'll see many gaps. Except for my feeble efforts, it seems that no one has tried to keep track of the Kiwanis markers over the years. I invite anyone who knows about any of the markers or anyone interested in Kiwanis history to contact me (at geovisual @ comcast.net). Together, we could help make the markers better known.

This would be very timely in view of this year's Kiwanis convention in Toronto celebrating 100 years of Kiwanis in Canada.

Making the markers better known would also help restore Kiwanis' role in helping to promote international friendship and peace. The message of the markers -- "A lesson of peace to all nations" -- is needed today more than ever.

Summary (by time periods)

Here is a record of 50 Kiwanis peace markers & monuments by time periods. It shows year of dedication (if found), location (if found), and image (if found). There may be some duplication (particularly among the 8 undated markers at the bottom of the list). About 27 markers (54%) still exist, and 23 markers (46%) appear to have been "lost." Many of the historic photos shown below are from the website of Indiana University/Purdue Unitersity Indianapolis (IUPUI).

Before 1935
(3 markers)

1925
Vancouver
Exists
1929
Washington
Exists
1934
Pautuxent,RI
Lost
1935
(5 markers)

1935
AmbasadrBr
Lost?
1935
Washington
Exists
1935
StStphn/Calais
Exists
1935
PrtHuron,MI
Lost?
1935
Location?
Lost?
1936-1937
(9 markers)

1936
PeaceArch
Exists
1936
SaultStMarie
Lost?
1936
Cornwall,ON
Lost?
1936
Cornwall,ON
Lost?
1936
FtFrnces,ON
Lost

1936
Emerson,MB
Lost?
1937
PeaceGarden
Exists
1937
Lacolle,QC
Exists
1937
TroutRiver,NY
Exists
1938-1939
(6 markers)

1938
Nrtn/Stanhpe
Lost?
1938
FtWillm,ON
Exists?
Year?
Nelway,BC
Exists
1939
Paterson,BC
Exists
1939
Buffalo,NY
Exists
1939
1000Islands
Moved
1940's
(6 markers)

1941
RainbowBr
Lost

1942
PortStnly,ON
Moved
1946?
Location?
Lost?
1947
Porthill, ID
Exists?
1948
Eastpt/Kngsgt
Exists
1949
Oroville,WA
Moved
1950's
(6 markers)

1956
WildHorse,AB
Exists
1956
Carway,AB
Exists?

1957
AlaskaHwy
Lost?
1957
Portal,ND
Moved
1957
Monchy,SK
Exists
1958
BanffNatPark
Lost
1960-1999
(5 markers)

1962
L/QBridge
Moved

1965
PeaceArch#2
Exists
1966
Hidalgo,TX
Lost?
1967
Fraser,BC
Exists
1982
AlaskaHwy
Exists

21st Century
(2 markers)

2003
KlondikeHwy
Exists
2013
Lewiston,NY
Exists
Year
Unknown
(8 markers)

Year?
Coutts/Swtgrs
Lost?
Year?
W.Poplar,SK
Exists?
Year?
Killarney,MB
Lost?
Year?
NiagFalls,ON
Lost?
Year?
Ogdnsbrg,NY
Lost?
Year?
Location?
Lost?
Year?
Location?
Lost?
Year?
Location?
Lost?

Summary (West to East)

Here is a record of 50 Kiwanis peace markers & monuments geographically arranged West to East. It shows year of dedication (if found), location (if found), and image (if found). There may be some duplication (particularly among the 5 unlocated markers at the bottom of the list). About 27 markers (54%) still exist, and 23 markers (46%) appear to have been "lost." Many of the historic photos shown below are from the website of Indiana University/Purdue Unitersity Indianapolis (IUPUI).

Alaska
(4 markers)

1957
AlaskaHwy
Lost?
1982
AlaskaHwy
Exists

1967
Fraser,BC
Exists
2003
KlondikeHwy
Exists
Vancouver, BC
& Washington
State
(6 markers)

1925
Vancouver
Exists
1936
PeaceArch
Exists
1965
PeaceArch#2
Exists
1949
Oroville,WA
Moved
1939
Paterson,BC
Exists
Year?
Nelway,BC
Exists
Idaho &
Montana
(6 markers)

1947
Porthill, ID
Exists?
1948
Eastpt/Kngsgt
Exists
1958
BanffNatPark
Lost
1956
Carway,AB
Exists?

Year?
Coutts/Swtgrs
Lost?
1956
WildHorse,AB
Exists
North Dakota
(6 markers)

1957
Monchy,SK
Exists
Year?
W.Poplar,SK
Exists?
1957
Portal,ND
Moved
1937
PeaceGarden
Exists
Year?
Killarney,MB
Lost?
1936
Emerson,MB
Lost?
Minnesota,
Michigan
& Lake Erie
(6 markers)

1936
FtFrnces,ON
Lost

1938
FtWillm,ON
Exists?
1936
SaultStMarie
Lost?
1935
PrtHuron,MI
Lost?
1935
AmbasadrBr
Lost?
1942
PortStnly,ON
Moved
Buffalo &
Niagara River
(5 markers)

1939
Buffalo,NY
Exists
Year?
NiagFalls,ON
Lost?
1941
RainbowBr
Lost

1962
L/QBridge
Moved

2013
Lewiston,NY
Exists
St. Lawrence
River &
North NY
(6 markers)

1939
1000Islands
Moved
Year?
Ogdnsbrg,NY
Lost?
1936
Cornwall,ON
Lost?
1936
Cornwall,ON
Lost?
1937
TroutRiver,NY
Exists
1937
Lacolle,QC
Exists
New England,
Washington,DC
& Mexico
(6 markers)

1938
Nrtn/Stanhpe
Lost?
1935
StStphn/Calais
Exists
1934
Pautuxent,RI
Lost
1929
Washington
Exists
1935
Washington
Exists
1966
Hidalgo,TX
Lost?
Location
Unknown
(5 markers)

1935
Location?
Lost?
1946?
Location?
Lost?
Year?
Location?
Lost?
Year?
Location?
Lost?
Year?
Location?
Lost?

Details (chronological order)

Here are details about each of the Kiwanis peace markers, along with information about similar non-Kiwanis monuments and related events:

Right click any image to enlarge.

December 24, 1814 - Treaty of Ghent, Veldstraat 47, Ghent (Belgium). "Ended the War of 1812 between the USA & the UK. Restored relations between the two nations to status quo ante bellum, restoring the borders to the lines before the war started in June 1812... Before news of the peace treaty reached the USA, American forces under Andrew Jackson won the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815... Ratified by the U.S. Senate unanimously on February 18, 1815, [thus beginning] two centuries of peaceful relations between the USA & Britain, although there have been a few tense moments such as the Trent Affair [in 1861]." /// Image shows plaque on building where the treaty was signed in Ghent.
Circa 1815 - "Peace" (Allegory of the Treaty of Ghent) by John Rubens Smith [1775-1849], Library of Congress, Washington, DC (USA).

April 27-28, 1817 - Rush-Bagot Treaty, Washington, DC (USA). "Provided for a large demilitarization of lakes along the international boundary, where many British naval arrangements & forts remained... With the separate Treaty of 1818, laid the basis for a demilitarized boundary between the USA & British North America." /// Image shows Kiwanis plaque placed April 29, 1935, at Columbia Residences (former Columbia Hospital for Women) where the treaty was signed in Washington, DC (see below). Kiwanis will frequently use the anniversary of this event (or a nearby date) for celebrations & monument dedications. A Kiwanis marker [shown at left] will be erected on April 29, 1935 [qv] at the site of the signing in Washington, DC.

1824 - Brock's Monument, Queenston Heights, Ontario (Canada). Vandalized in 1840 & replaced in 1859 by monument shown in image which "stands 57 m high. At the time it was completed, it was the second highest monument in the world (surpassed only by Christopher Wren’s monument commemorating the Great Fire of London). The monument’s base features sculpted lions & depictions of Brock’s achievements. The monument also has a fluted column that contains 235 steps leading to an enclosed observation deck. An impressive 4.8-m stone-carved statue of Sir Isaac Brock [1769-1812]" -- who embarrassingly defeated an American army in 1812. /// Monument can be seen from the USA. Kiwanis will erect a peace marker on the bridge from Queenston to Lewiston, NY, in 1962.

August 9, 1842 - Webster-Ashburton Treaty, Ashburton House (home of the British legation), Lafayette Square, Washington, DC (USA). "Resolved several border issues between the United States & the British North American colonies." /// Image shows plaque in Lafayette Square. Its text: "Friendship between the United States and Canada was developed and strengthened by the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, on August 9, 1842, in the Old State Department Building which stood on this site. This treaty established the north-eastern boundary between the two countries. - This tablet placed by the Kiwanis Club of Washington in cooperation wtih the Committee on Marking Points of Historic Interest April 30, 1929." A Kiwanis marker [shown at left] will be erected in 1929 to celebrate this event [qv].


June 15, 1846 - Oregon Treaty, Washington, DC (USA). Also called the Treaty of Washington. "Brought an end to the Oregon boundary dispute by settling competing American & British claims to the Oregon Country; the area had been jointly occupied by both Britain & the USA since the Treaty of 1818." Image shows Border Marker #1 installed in Monument Park, Point Roberts, Washington (USA), in 1861. Inscribed "TREATY OF WASHINGTON, June 15th 1846."
1986? - Replica border monument, at Peace Arch, Washington (USA) / British Columbia (Canada). Inscription: "This monument commemorates the 125th anniversary of the 1857-1861 survey of the 49th parallel from the Gulf of Georgia to the summit of the Rocky Mtns. This parallel was declared the boundary between the United States and Canada by the 1846 Treaty of Washington and surveyed by a joint British and American boundary commission. This pillar is an exact replica of the original cast iron monuments used to mark this portion of the border between Point Roberts and the foothills of the Cascade Mountains during the 1857-61 survey. Dedicated to the surveyors and astronomers of the original boundary survey by the Land Surveyors' Association of Wshington and the Corporation of Land Surveyors of the Province of British Columbia in 1986 [?]." /// This monument is within sight of a Kiwanis peace marker.


August 1, 1848 - Niagara Railway Suspension Bridge over the Niagara River, joining the US & Canada. "The world's first working railway suspension bridge. It spanned 825 feet (251 m) & stood 2.5 miles (4.0 km) downstream of Niagara Falls, where it connected Niagara Falls, Ontario, to Niagara Falls, New York. Trains used the upper of its two decks, pedestrians & carriages the lower." At first, the bridge was temporary. The first locomotive crossed on March 8, 1855.


1861 - Border Marker #1, Monument Park, Point Roberts, Washington (USA). Granite obelisk at the entrance to the park. Inscribed "TREATY OF WASHINGTON, June 15th 1846." "Just up the road from Lighthouse Park, Monument Park is home to border marker #1 on the US-Canada border. The small park overlooks the Strait of Georgia from its perch among the trees atop a small bluff. An easy walking trail follows the top of the vegetation-covered slope, then descends through a forest of giant old Douglas fir trees to a picturesque beach. This monument to the 49 parallel was fabricated in Scotland & New Westminster in 1861 & sits at the most western point in the northern Canadian-US border. The 8.23 acre park, with the north 60 feet of frontage on Marine Drive owned by the International Border Commission [sic], is composed of the lawn around the obelisk, forested uplands & steep slopes to the beach." Right image shows visitors circe 1900.

November 8, 1861 - The Trent Affair, an international diplomatic incident during the American Civil War. The USS San Jacinto intercepts the British mail packet RMS Trent & removes, as contraband of war, two Confederate diplomats, James Mason & John Slidell.


About 1906 - International Footbridge, Parc de la Frontière, Estcourt Station, Maine (USA) & Pohénégamook, Québec (Canada). At northernmost point in eastern USA. "Estcourt Station does not have public road access to the rest of Maine (without entering Canada)..., uses Quebec's area code 418 for telephone service & is connected to Hydro-Québec for electricity." Bridge has been replaced at least once since 1906.

1915 - Kiwanis is founded in Detroit, Michigan (USA), by Joseph G. Prance [1881-1939] & Allen S. Browne.

November 1, 1916 - "Kiwanis becomes international with the organization of the 26th Kiwanis club in Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). Kiwanis [will] limit its membership to the US & Canada until 1962, when worldwide "extention" [is] approved. Since then, Kiwanis has spread [to about 80 countries] on all inhabited continents of the globe."

January 17, 1920 - Prohibition bans the production, importation, transportation & sale of alcoholic beverages in the USA. "By the time Prohibition took effect nationally, the residents of Michigan & Ontario were well versed in bootlegging, and they nearly perfected their trade during the next 13 years. Seventy-five percent of all the alcohol smuggled into the United States during Prohibition crossed the [river] border at the 'Windsor-Detroit Funnel' [not served until 1930 by bridge or tunnel]. By 1929 rumrunning was Detroit’s second largest industry, netting $215 million per year. Even more liquor was produced in illegal distilleries in the metro-Detroit area."

1921 - At the Kiwanis convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the following resolution is unanimously adopted: "Resolved that every effort be made to foster by all means the continued splendid relations between the United States and Canada and to that end that Kiwanis clubs of this continent be required in Canada to set apart a day to be termed 'United States Day' and in the United States a day to be termed 'Canadian Day' on which occasions appropriate exercises will be held in their respective clubs." "As a result of this observance, concern for maintaining and appreciating the excellent relations between the two countries increases. Goodwill efforts are no longer limited to one week only; many goodwill service projects are continued annually."


September 6, 1921 - International Peace Arch, Peace Arch Park, US/Canadian Border between Seatte, Washington (USA), & Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada). Commemorates the centennial of the Treaty of Ghent which ended the War of 1812 between the US & Great Britain. Click here for the Wikipedia article. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 60-61. Entry #1211 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). /// Kiwanis markers will be added to this site in 1936 & 1965.

1922 - Fountain of Time, SE portion of Washington Park , Cottage Grove Avenue, Washington Park, Chicago, Illinois (USA). Immediately west of the Midway Plaisance. Based on lines by English poet Austin Dobson [1840-1921]: "Time goes, you say? Ah no, Alas, time stays, we go." Shows a cloaked figure of time observing the stream of humanity flowing past. Commemorates a century of peace between Great Britain & the USA. Sculptor Lorado Taft [1860-1936] took 14 years to complete what was called the "largest single group of statuary in existence." 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 62-63. Entry #270 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

1922 - "The first Kiwanis convention staged outside ouside the United States is in Toronto, Ontario."

1922 - "Kiwanis International originated Canada-United Stated Goodwill Week in 1922 and it now [in 1990] enjoys wide participation in both countries... As a result of the observance, Kiwanians have shown a concern for maintaining and appreciating the excellent relations between the two countries by establishing many permanent and continuing projects. The most noteworthy of the permanent projects has been the dedication of three dozen Kiwanis Peace Markers along the common border." [From Mid-Maine edition of the Bangor Daily News, April 18, 1990.]

July 26, 1923 - President Warren G. Harding [1865-1923], a Kiwanian, is the first sitting President of the United States to visit Canada. He stops over in Vancouver, British Columbia, on his way back from Alaska - part of a tour that includes Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. While in Vancouver, Harding gives a speech in Stanley Park before an estimated crowd of 50,000. The speech includes this about the USA and Canada: "What an object lesson of peace is shown today by our two countries to all the world. No grimfaced fortifications mark our frontiers, no huge battleships patrol our dividing waters, no stealthy spies lurk in our tranquil border hamlets. Only a scrap of paper, recording hardly more than a simple understanding safe-guards lives and properties on the Great Lakes and only humble mile posts mark the inviolable boundary line for thousands of miles through farm and forest. Our protection is in our fraternity, our armour is our faith. The tie that binds more firmly year by year is ever increasing acquaintance and comradeship through interchange of citizens, and the compact is not of perishable parchment, but of fair and honorable dealing, which, God grant, should continue for all time." /// " The speech concludes: "Our very propinquity enjoins the most effective co-operation which comes only from clasping hands in true faith and good-fellowship. It is in that spirit that I have stopped on my way home from a visit to our pioneers in Alaska to make a passing call on my very good neighbours of the fascinating Iroquois name, Kanada, to whom, glorious in her youth and strength and beauty, on behalf of my own beloved country, I stretch forth my arms in fraternal greeting, with gratefulness for your splendid welcome in my heart, and from my lips the whispered prayer of our famed Rip Van Winkle, 'May you all live long and prosper.'" Harding lunches downtown at the Hotel Vancouver with B.C. Premier John Oliver and Vancouver’s mayor Charles Tisdall, and manages to squeeze in six holes of golf. He feels tired and later complains of nausea and abdominal pain. Exactly one week after visiting Vancouver, Harding and his entourage are in San Francisco, when he dies at the Palace Hotel.

May 9, 1924? - Painting of President Harding in Stanley Park. "Warren Gamaliel Harding doesn't get much respect these days. In a recent survey of American historians, Harding was rated one of the worst presidents in U.S. history. It's a far cry from the day Harding came to Vancouver on July 26, 1923. Harding was the first sitting president to visit Canada, and his brief stopover on a coastal tour from Alaska to California drew huge crowds. The newspapers reported 30,000 to 40,000 people heard Harding speak in Stanley Park... The president was reported to be in a "good humoured mood" at dinner before he left the city to board the USS Henderson and sail to Tacoma. His mood may have darkened when the Henderson ran into another ship about 8 a.m. the next morning in a foggy Puget Sound. Or he may not have noticed, because he had already fallen deathly ill. Harding and some members of the presidential party got food poisoning from eating Alaskan crab on July 24. He managed to make it through his public events for a couple of days, but Harding contracted pneumonia and died of a heart attack Aug. 2 in San Francisco, a week after his Vancouver visit. Vancouverites were shocked at the news. The Kiwanis Club put up the funds for a Harding memorial by sculptor Charles Marega, which was unveiled in Stanley Park on Sept. 16, 1925. But the Vancouver Sun had scooped the Kiwanis Club by commissioning its own memorial painting a year earlier. Publisher Robert Cromie paid 'the Remington of the Canadian West,' John Innes, the princely sum of $1,000 to come up with an epic vision of Harding beguiling the masses in Stanley Park. It's a fairly romantic scene - Harding extends his arms 'in fraternal greeting' to the crowd, surrounded by a lush green forest, the North Shore mountains poking through in the background. The painting was presented to the National Press Club in Washington on May 9, 1924, and was accepted on behalf of the United States by Harding's successor, Calvin Coolidge..."


September 16, 1925 - Harding International Good Will Memorial, Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada). "More than 12,000 people gathered...to dedicate a memorial to former US President & Marion, Ohio, Kiwanian Warren G. Harding. But rather than dwell on the president’s unexpected death, the monument also celebrated the goodwill that exists between Kiwanis’ two founding nations. Two bronze figures, representing the USA & Canada, stand on the memorial, each holding an olive branch of peace. Beside them is a plaque that quotes Harding’s 1923 speech. /// "The Kiwanis Club initiated a drive for a grand memorial to Harding in Stanley Park, at the site where he spoke [in 1923]. The monument was designed by Vancouver sculptor Charles Marega (also a Kiwanian)." /// US President Warren G. Harding [1865-1923] died not long after visiting Vancouver to dedicate this monument. Click here for YouTube video. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 64-65. Entry #1241 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

September 16, 1925 - Inscription on Harding International Goodwill Memorial: "What an object lesson of peace is shown today by our two countries by all the world. No grim-faced fortifications mark our frontiers. No huge battleships patrol our dividing waters. No stealthy spies lurk in our tranquil border hamlets. Only a scrap of paper recording hardly more than a simple understanding safeguards lives and property on the Great Lakes, and only humble mile posts mark the inviolable boundary line for thousands of miles through farm and forest. /// Our protection is in our fraternity. Our armour is our faith, the tie that binds more firmly year by year. Ever increasing acquaintances and comradeship through interchange of citizens and the contract is not of perishable parchment, but of fair and honorable dealing which God grant shall continue for all time. /// Erected by Kiwanis International in memory of a great occasion in the life of two sister nations here on July 26, 1923 Warren Gamaliel Harding twenty ninth president of the United States and first president to visit Canada."

August 7, 1927 - Peace Bridge, Niagara River, US/Canadian Border between Buffalo, New York (USA), & Fort Erie, Ontario (Canada). A "dramatic state-of-the-art, $1.2 million LED lighting system replaced the current avian unfriendly up-lighting" at the end of 2008. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 66-67. Entry #1208 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). A Kiwanis marker will be added to this site in 1935 [qv]


April 30, 1929 - Webster-Ashburton Treaty Plaque, near Ashburton House, Lafayette Square, Washington, DC (USA). Text: "Friendship between the United States and Canada was developed and strengthened by the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, on August 9, 1842, in the Old State Department Building which stood on this site. This treaty established the north-eastern boundary between the two countries. ---- This tablet placed by the Kiwanis Club of Washington in cooperation wtih the Committee on Marking Points of Historic Interest April 30, 1929." /// Upper right image from MyReality Blog with this description: "...we took a walk through Lafayette Park in front of the White House [on April 28, 2011]. Spring was in the air, tourists were everywhere and the sun shone while the breeze blew our hair. Yes I am waxing poetic. We passed this building with a plaque commemorating the great friendship between Canada and the United States. We thought it was very thoughtful of them to put it up for us. Photo attributed to anonymous Washington DC native."


June 12, 1930 - Shrine Peace Memorial, Exposition Park, 2 Strachan Avenue, Toronto, Ontario (Canada). "Presented to the people of Canada by Imperial Potentate, Noble Leo V. Youngworth, on behalf of the 600,000 members of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners) to commemorate the peaceful relationships existing for over a century between Canada and the United States." 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 70-71. Baber called this the "Universal Peace Statue." "A limestone seat just back of the monument is inscribed 'Peace be on You - On You be the " Entry #1333 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).


1930 - Ambassador Bridge Plaque, Ambassador Bridge, Detroit River, between Detroit, Michigan (USA), & Windsor, Ontario (Canada). Faces traffic from side of downstream cable anchorage structure at Detroit end of the bridge. /// From a blogger in Windsor: "For years, and years, I’ve wanted to get a photo of the great bronze plaques [sic] on the Ambassador Bridge, but I’ve never had the chance. Well, this weekend, I spent 1-1/2 hours crossing in the bridge [on foot or in slow traffic?]. The only highlight was the chance to grab a few shots of the bronzes [sic]. A large monongram of 'JMS' is visible. My good friend Einar came up with the sculptor Jonathan M. Swanson [1888-1963]. From what I gather, this was one of his largest works. Inscribed, 'The visible expression of friendship in the hearts of two peoples with like ideas and ideals – 1930.' We sure have come a long way in the last 77 years. I’m not sure how similar we our [sic] to our American neighbours anymore, and it’s a shame." /// NB: Ambassador Bridge opened on November 11, 1929. Miniatures of the 1930 plaque (about 3 x 2-1/2 inches) were issued (apparentely to commemorate the completion of the bridge) & today are sometimes sold on eBay. Upper & lower left images show the original plaque. Lower right image (copyright by medallicartcollector.com) is a 70x100 mm bronze paperweight designed by Jonathan M. Swanson [1888-1963]. Reverse side says "Compliments of J.W. Austin" who was treasurer of the bridge project.

1930 - Upper image shows cars & pedestrians on Ambassdor Bridge shortly after its opening. Lower image is recent photo of international boundary inside the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (USA & Canada) under the Detroit River. The tunnel was opened the same year as the bridge.


June 16, 1931 - Harding Tomb, Marion, Ohio (USA). Also known as Harding Memorial. "The structure was begun in 1926 [the year inscribed over the tombs] & finished in the early winter of 1927. It is designed in the style of a circular Greek temple with Doric order marble columns." Dedicated by President Herbert Hoover on June 16, 1931.

June 31, 1931 - Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Ohio (USA). "Honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the war of 1812, but in equal part it is here to celebrate the long-lasting peace between Britain, Canada & the USA." /// "352 foot (107 m) - the world's most massive Doric column. Fourth tallest monument in USA (only Gateway Arch, San Jacinto Monument, & Washington Monument are taller). Beneath the stone floor lie the remains of three American officers & three British officers. Constructed by a multi-state commission 1912-1915 "to inculcate the lessons of international peace by arbitration & disarmament." Although substantially completed in 1915, funding problems prevented the proper completion. In 1919, the federal government assumed control of the monument & provided additional funding. Official dedication was celebrated on July 31, 1931. In 2002, 2.4 million dollars was spent on a new visitor center. Visited by 200,000 people each year." Closed for repairs 2009-2012. Entry #818 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).
2011 - New Baltimore, Michigan (USA). North of Detroit. "Lynn & Wayne Bell stand behind the 10 foot scaled replica of the Perry's Victory & International Peace monument at their home on September 15, 2011. Wayne Bell recently had it made for his wife; he proposed to her at that monument about 20 years ago."

June 18, 1932 - Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Alberta (Canada) & Montana (USA). "Oldest international peace park [sic]." Established on the initiative of Rotary International. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Upper image is cover of Saturday Evening Post for August 5, 1961, showing a happy family on the international border. Click here for Wikipedia article. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 72-73. Entry #1210 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

2007 - Peace Exhibit, Goat Haunt Ranger Station, Glacier National Park (USA). At south end of Upper Waterton Lake. No road access! "Visitors can view a new International Peace Park exhibit at Goat Haunt. The exhibits explore the history of the Peace Park - the world's first - as well as the meanings of peace in the world." ["Celebrating 75 Years of Peace & Friendship," National Park Service, July 19, 2007].
>2007? - Peace Exhibit, Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada). At north end of Upper Waterton Lake. Peace Exhibit exists according to Nigel & Antonia Young.

N.B.: Kiwanis has not placed a peace marker on either side of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park - despite placing a marker at each of the other "big five" border monuments -- the Peace Arch (1921), the Peace Bridge (1927), Ambassador Bridge (1930), and the International Peace Garden (1932). Why is this? Did Kiwanis never try? Is it because the International Peace Park is historically associated with Kiwanis' rival Rotary International?


July 14, 1932 - International Peace Garden, Dunseith, North Dakota (USA) & Boissevain, Manitoba (Canada). "2,339 acre botanical garden on the world’s longest unfortified border." Includes two 20-story concrete Peace Towers, Peace Chapel, and 9/11 Memorial. Click here for Wikipedia article. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 74-75. Entry #1209 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). A Kiwanis marker will be added to this site in 1937 [qv].

July 1932 - "Frontiers Unfettered by Any Frowning Fortress," City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York (USA). East mural in lobby of Buffalo's gigantic 32-story city hall. By New York City artist William de Leftwich Dodge [1867-1935]. "Depicts Buffalo as an international gateway to Canada. The border of the mural consists of ears of corn & two doves symbolizing peace. The central figure of a woman, Buffalo as the Angel of Peace, holds a warrior under each arm, uniting them with her grasp. One warrior represents the US & the other represents Canada, each clutching their respective flags." Second image shows ceiling with the mural at one end.
"On the left the United States, [is] represented by consumer prosperity. Some details: * Woman wearing 1920’s clothing styles, including cloche hat, boa, high heels, dress and wrap, and carrying purse, another shoe, jewelry and jewelry box, and bolt of fabric * Man wearing shorts and knickers, carrying two model cars (Thomas, 1902-1919, and Pierce-Arrow, 1901-1938, were auto companies prominent in Buffalo’s history). * Farmer with farming tools; woman with treadle sewing machine * Background: City Hall, Niagara Falls & the Peace Bridge."
"On the right Canada is represented by an offering of furs & fisheries. Some details: * Mother with her son who is clutching a book and pointing him toward the United States as the land of opportunity and youth. * Fur trapper, wearing fringed buckskin pants and moccasins, with snow shoe carrying trapped animals. * Man carrying basket of fish. * Native in canoe loaded with green branches * Background: A Canadian city (Fort Erie?) & the Peace Bridge."
Information courtesy of Dave Granville 03July2016.

December 5, 1933 - Prohibition is repealed by the 21st Amendment.


June 9, 1934 - "Inauguration of the women's branch of the Kiwanis Club." Harding International Goodwill Memorial, Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada). Image from City of Vancouver Archives.


1934 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, International Friendship Grove & Garden, Pawtucket, Rhode Island (USA). Not found on-line. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge.


1934 - Rush-Bagot Memorial, Old Fort Niagara, New York (USA). "An early armaments agreement was signed by the US & Great Britain in 1817. Named for its chief negotiators, Richard Rush [1780-1859] & Sir Charles Bagot [1781-1843], the treaty limited naval forces on the Great Lakes. The true monument to such efforts is today's unfortified 4,00-mile (6,400km) United States-Canada border. In clear weather the skyline of Toronto, Ontario can be seen across the 27 miles (43km) of Lake Ontario."/// Left image shows Unfortified Boundary Plaque. Fort Niagara dates from 1726.

1935 - "When leafing through the pages of The Kiwanis Magazine, it is apparent that Canada-US relations was a hot topic in the late ’20s and early ’30s. On January 21, 1935, 20 years after the birth of Kiwanis, a unique program was launched by Kiwanis to mark the boundary between the two friendly countries. A symbolic boundary marker was placed on the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. The boundary tablet featured a man [sic] and a woman holding wreaths of olive leaves, signifying peace and friendly relations between Canada and the United States. By the end of the decade, 16 tablets marked the boundary between the North American nations." [From Kiwanis Magazine, centennial issue, January/February 2015, page 18.] N.B.: The markers in fact depict two female figures holding wreaths that surround the seals of the two nations, a cornucopia & a sheaf of wheat.


January 21, 1935 - First Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Ambasssador Bridge, between Detroit, Michigan (USA), & Windsor, Ontario (Canada). Placed in Kiwanis' 20th year. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 76-77. Upper left image (captioned "Reenact Harding," date uncertain) is screen shot from Kiwanis "History 1930-1939" on Flickr. /// Lower left image is screen shot from Centennial Issue of Kiwanis Magazine (Jan/Feb 2015). /// Upper right image is from IUPUI archives with this caption: "William J. Carrington and Son on Ambassador Bridge. During his term as International President William J. Carrington dedicated the first Kiwanis Boundary Peace Tablet, on Detroit's Ambassador Bridge conecting the United States to Canada. He is shown here explaining the table [sic] to his son, William Jr., who later became first lieutenant in the army. Published in Kiwanis Magazine, September 1947, page 11." /// According to "The Kiwanis Legacy: Building Communities, Serving the World" (2004), "the first 'boundary tablet,' as monuments also are called, was erected on January 21, 1935, at the very hour Kiwanis was born twenty years previous... Canadian and Michigan Kiwanians, attended the dedication ceremony, which was led by Immediate Past Governor Joseph G. Prance [1881-1939], the event's organizer. International President William J. Carrington delivered the dedicatory address."/// How does this Kiwanis plaque relate to the 1930 plaque (shown above)? Same artist? /// "This is one of only 3 bridges connecting Michigan & Canada over its entire 721 mile water boundary. It connects the two largest cities on the Michigan/Ontario boundary (Detroit & Windsor) & is the busiest commercial crossing on the entire boundary, with 8,000 trucks per day, nearly 3 million per year, carrying around half of the merchandise trade between the two largest trading partners in the world, Canada & the USA." /// IS THIS MARKER STILL ON THE BRIDGE TODAY ???


April 29, 1935 - Rush-Bagot Memorial Tablet, Columbia Hospital for Women (now Columbia Residences), 2425 L Street NW, Washington, DC (USA). Placed by Kiwanis International. At site of the British Legation where the Rush-Bagot agreement was signed April 18-19, 1817, to bring about the removal of armed vessels from the Great Lakes. Entry #1162 in "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassa dor Bridge. /// According to "The Kiwanis Legacy: Building Communities, Serving the World" (2004), "In April..., another peace tablet (with a revised inscription) was placed on the grounds of Columbia Hospital in Washington, D.C., which in April 1817 was the site of the British Legation where the Rush-Bagot agreement was signed." /// Lower left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Washington Rush-Bagot Marker, 1935. Kiwanis International dedicated a memorial tablet on April 29, 1935 at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 118th anniversary of the signing of the Rush-Bagot Treaty. Pictured (left to right) are: Margaret Maxfield; Honorable Hume Wrong, Counselor of the Canadian Legation; Honorable William Phillips, Undersecretary of State; 1934-1935 Kiwanis International President William J. Carrington; and Nancy Jorss. Post Staff Photo." Note girls holding cornucopia & sheaf of wheat as depicted on the marker. /// Article published Jan. 8, 2007 ("Rush-Bagot Monument Comes Out of Hiding" by Michael Mugmon) says "the District's Inventory of Historic Sites reports that a sculptor named Benjamin Johnson created the bronze plaque..."
Date? - Rush-Bagot Treaty plaque, Royal Military College of Canada, General Crerar Crescent & Valour Road, Point Frederick, Kingston, Ontario (Canada). Placed by Ontario Heritage Trust. Visited by EWL.


May 6, 1935 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, on bridge over St. Croix River, between St. Stephen, New Brunswick (Canada), & Calais, Maine (USA). 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. /// Left image from biker blog by Sturgis Chick: "There’s a plaque on the bridge that marks the line between the US and our incredible northern neighbor, Canada." Image also shows smaller plaque indicating the exact bountdary. /// According to "The Kiwanis Legacy: Building Communities, Serving the World" (2004), "The following May 5 [sic] - the birthday of Great Britain's King George V [1865-1936] - Canadian Kiwanians joined with the Kiwanis Club of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, in dedicating a Kiwanis Boundary Goodwill Peace Tablet on the International Bridge connecting St. Stephen to Calais, Maine - the first tablet erected in Canada. By the end of the decade, sixteen tablets marked the peaceful boundary between the united-in-friendship North American nations."



July 2, 1935 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, on St. Clair River, Port Huron, Michigan (USA). Across from Sarnia, Ontario (Canada). Near Blue Water Bridge. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. /// Upper left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Plaque Commemorates Friendship. Plaque erected by the Kiwanis Club of Port Huron, Michigan, commemorates the friendly relations between the United States and Canada." NB: Image is color photo (taken some years after dedication). Plaque appears to be painted gold (like the 1939 marker in Paterson, BC), sitting on green grass & in front of a wooden wall. /// Upper right image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Harper Gatton Dedicates Peace Plaque. Dedication of Kiwanis Boundary Peace Plaque at Port Huron, Michigan, on July 2, 1935. Pictured (left to right) are: Alec McAlister. son of Ontario-Quebec-Maritime District Governor Fred G. McAlister; Ford Rea, American Sea Scout; Jack Crag, Canadian Sea Scout; Harper Gatton, 1935-1936 Kiwanis International President, and Mrs. Harper Gatton, wife of President Harper Gatton." Monument appears to be less than waist high.


July 2, 1935 - Kiwanis Peace Marker, LOCATION UNKNOWN. Left image is from HistoricBridges.org; source does not say where the marker is (or was) & does not identify the cylinder seen under the marker. /// The marker in the right image is also dated July 2, 1935, but was not otherwise identified when posted 07/04/05 on the Shroomery Message Board. "itrendal" said: "I hope you're all enjoying your holiday and country's birthday down there! I just want to take this moment to put aside some of the animosity and rivalry that pops up between our two countries from time to time...and remember the nearly two hundred years of peace between our two nations. We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I doubt you could find another instance of mutual support between two countries that has resulted in as much benefit as Canadian-American relations have...and that's just plain cool :cool: Happy 4th of July!" /// NB: Marker in right image appears to be partially obscured by a bridge railing. The marker in Port Huron, Michigan, is also dated July 2, 1935, but it does not look the same (see above). July 2 is a date deliberately chosen by Kiwanis becasue it's in between Canadian national day (July 1) & US national day (July 4).


April 25, 1936 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, adjacent to Peace Arch, directly on border, between Blaine, Washington (USA) & Surrey, British Columbia (Canada). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). /// "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border" says "There are monuments and plaques of all kinds [at this site]. Some discuss historical points about the boundary, others simply commemorate commemoration... The local Kiwanis Club monument, commonly found at crossings, dated 1936, and saying 'This unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the remembrance of the more than century old friendship between these countries a lesson peace to all nations.'" /// Note lower plaque added November 28, 1965. /// Marker visible in air view just to left of the Peace Arch.


1936 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, on St. Mary's River, Sault Sainte Marie, in USA or Canada? Not found on-line. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. Note four locks on US side & one lock on Canadian side of St. Mary's River. 1961 article in California newspaper (qv) says this marker is at "Ferry dock, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario." "Until 1962, and the opening of the International Bridge, if you wanted to make your way to Sault, Michigan, you made the trip by boat - by ferry to be specific." Caption on post card at right: "International Ferry 'Agoming.' Plying between Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. and Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. The Soo Locks and International Bridge in Background."



July 14, 1936 - Kiwanis Peace Marker, Roosevelt International Bridge, Cornwall, Ontario (Canada). Across St. Lawrence River from Hyando, New York (USA). On bridge railing. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. /// Upper left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "America-Canada Peace Delegation. Kiwanian, American, and Canadian officials gather on a bridge [sic] near Cornwall, Ontario, to dedicate a U.S.-Canadian peace marker on the border." Note railroad track on bridge deck. /// Lower left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "A Kiwanis International Handshake. Harry I. Anscombe, President of the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa, Ontario, shakes hands with Edwin F. Hill, International Trustee, in front of a Kiwanis U.S.-Canadian Peace Marker on July 14, 1936.". /// The Roosevelt International Bridge was constructed in 1898 & replaced in 1962. What happened to the Kiwanis marker (which would have been 26 years old in 1962)?


1936 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Cornwall, Ontario (Canada). City on St. Lawrence River. Not found on-line. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. Is this marker the same or different from the one on or at the Roosevelt Bridge? NB: This area changed considerably during construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway (opened 1959) & the two-part Seaway International Bridge (opened 1958 & 1962).


September 9, 1936 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque & Pyramid, Fort Frances, Ontario (Canada). Apparently at Canadian end of bridge (note Welcome sign in image). Across Rainy River from International Falls, Minnesota (USA). Image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Fort Francis Peace Plaque: Kiwanis International erected an International Boundary Tablet at Fort Francis [sic], Ontario on September 9, 1936 to remind visitors of the friendly relationship between Canada and the United States." 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001).1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge.


September 12, 1936 - "International Boundary Kiwanis Tablet," between Emerson, Manitoba (Canada) & Noyes, NW corner of Minnesota (USA). Upper left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "International Boundary Kiwanis Tablet, 1936. The International Boundary Kiwanis Tablet was presented on April 30, 1936 to the Kiwanis Clubs of St. Bonifacius, Minnesota and Winnipeg, Monitoba [sic] by the Kiwanis Club of Saint Paul, Minnesota. The tablet was dedicated on September 12, 1936 on the Canadian-American border between Emerson, Manitoba and Noyes, Minnesota, near the Great Northern Railway Station." Image is hard to read but apparently shows engraved date of April 30, 1936. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. /// Right images show border crossing in Emerson from the US border. It was closed in 2003, & its building is said to be rented by USDA for cattle inspection. Lower right image by & of professional photographer Andreas Rutkauskas. /// Lower left image shows "the [new joint] crossing 3 miles west at Pembina, North Dakota, [which is the] 5th busiest along entire Canada-US border & 2nd busiest west of the Great Lakes." http://www.tworvgypsies.us/!USA-trip8-2015/2015-08-23-intl-peace-gdn-site-46/2015-08-23-047-peace-garden.jpg



July 18, 1937 - Kiwanis Peace Cairn & Plaque, International Peace Garden, between North Dakota (USA) & Manitoba (Canada). 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. Upper left image is from Waymarking.com. Upper middle image is from website of Manitoba Historical Society & also shows IBC monument. Upper right imagee shows cairn (marker not visible) & IBC monument at garden entrance. Lower left image is from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Peace Garden Plaque Presentation, 1937. Kiwanis International, Minnesota-Dakotas District, and Minot Kiwanis Club officers gather for a presentation of the Peace Garden Plaque in Minot, North Dakota, on July 18, 1937." Image shows an unattached plaque sitting on a picnic table. Lower right image is air view of the International Peace Garden viewing toward the southwest. The international border follows the axis of the garden. Border inspection stations & garden entrance are in foreground of the image.


July 22, 1937 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Lacolle, Quebec (Canada). NB: There are three Lacolle border crossings. 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. /// EWL inquired in this area on August 21, 2012, but could not dermine how to find this plaque. /// Left image is screen shot from "Empire State Kiwanian" (July 2008) which shows stone monument decorated with US eagle & Canadian beaver & saying "dedicated by the New Jersey - Ontario - Quebec - Maritime Districts." Right image shows a closed crosssing.



August 24, 1937 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Trout River, New York (USA). Inches from international border (behind orange lane dividers in third image). 1 of 13 in Entry #1207 "Peace Movement Directory" by Bennett (2001). 1 of 13 named by Baber after Ambassdor Bridge. /// Found & photographed by EWL on August 21, 2012. See "An International Incident" below. /// Upper right image from FlickRiver.


June 12, 1938 - "Kiwanis Boundary Marker," between Norton, Vermont (USA) & Stanhope, Quebec (Canada). Left image is from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Norton Boundary Marker Dedication, 1938. His Excellency Monsignor Phillipe Desranleau, Bishop of Sherbrooke, addresses the crowd at the dedication of the boundary marker between Canada and the United States on June 12, 1938. The marker was erected on the border between Norton, Vermont and Stanhope, Quebec, and was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of St. Johnsbury, Vermont." /// Right image shows "a Canadian Mountie and a Vermont State Trooper on their respective sides of the Canada–United States (Quebec–Vermont) border in 1941."


June 18, 1938 to 1967 - Clifton Gate Pioneer Memorial Arch, Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada). "Designed by Toronto architect William Lyon Somerville [1886-1965]... Intended to provide a majestic welcome to American visitors pouring over adjacent Honeymoon Bridge to see the Canadian Falls." Before the arch was completed, the bridge collapsed into a frozen river on January 27, 1938. The arch was declared a traffic hazard, removed in 1967 (Canada’s centennial year) & replaced with a parking lot. /// Right image shows the arch in the foregroud, Honeymoon Bridge at left & American Falls in the background.

After 1974 - One of two big stone medallions, northeast corner of Jarvis & Front Streets, Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Connected to a large wall of carved stone panels (right image) in the side yard of Mackenzie House, a city museum at 82 Bond Street. All were salvaged from the Memorial Arch in Niagara Falls.


July 9, 1938 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, on truss bridge over Pigeon River, Fort William, Ontario (Canada). Between Thunder Bay, Ontario (Canada) & Grand Portage, Minnesota (USA). Left two images are from "Gateway to Northern Ontario History" website. /// This truss bridge lasted from 1934 until 1964. /// See"Border Peace Plaque Formally Dedicated," Fort William Daily Times Journal, 9 Jun 1938. Re Fort William Kiwanis Club; Port Arthur Kiwanis Club; Duluth Kiwanis Club; Pigeon River; Pigeon River Bridge; Memorial Peace Plaque; Boy Scouts. Full text available on microfilm."



Date? - Kiwanis Peace Monument & Plaque at a border crossing on highway 31 between Nelway, British Columbia (Canada) & Metaline Falls, Washington (USA). "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border" says "The first of 13 official road crossings in Washington. The border comes over a cliff from the east, and drops across the crossing. It passes through the Kiwanis club plaque, a common feature of the border, and through the International Boundary Commission (IBC) nmonument..." /// Location of undated upper left image from IUPUI archives is not determined, but it names sponsoring clubs in NE Washington state & bears this caption: "Kiwanis officials stand by a U.S.-Canada Peace Mrker erected by various clubs of the Pacific Northwest District. Pictured (left to right) are: Pacific Northweest District Governor J. N. Emerson, Internaitonal Trustee R. George McCuish, Tablet Committee Chairman Dr. E. N. Dayton, Table Committee Member Dan Droz, Division Six Lieutenant Governor Oscar W. Nelson, and Past Internationalk Trustee A. H. Synison." /// Undated upper right image is from Washington State Library; caption says "Pickup truck under the canopy of the Canadian Nelway border crossing station. A monument is visible [on hill] on the right side of the photograph." /// Lower left image is blown up from lower right image; Kiwanis monument is directly behind IBC monument.



June 3, 1939 - Kiwanis Peace Monument & Plaque, Paterson/Frontier Border Crossing, Paterson, British Columbia (Canada). Info & images from Karen Struve, Colville, Washington 29Mar2016. Lower left image shows Kiwanian Tom Dawson (age 92) at the Kiwanis monument on 26Mar2016. Lower right image is press photo showing 2 girls (one from each country) who helped dedicate the monument in 1939 at a ceremony attended by 8,000 people. Dodson's wife Shirley Wylie Dodson (then age 14) is the girl at left. Dodson added the samll stone in 1989 to increase the number of sponsoring Kiwanis clubs from 12 to 17. /// In email from Dodson 02April2016: "The plaque appears to be brass but is actually painted gold, and to my knowledge it has never been painted since the dedication in 1939... The monument has been moved twice as the road was changed and may be moved again as we were told there is a chance the [Canadian] building will be replaced." /// Also reported in Spokane Daily Chronicle, June 5, 1939.


July 1, 1939 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Front Park, Buffalo, New York (USA). All three images from Waymarking.com with this caption: "In the median of the access road to the Peace Bridge to Canada [qv] sits a small rough-cut granite memorial. This access road travels through Front Park [designed by Frederick Law Olmsted]. It was dedicated July 1, 1939 by numerous Kiwanis Clubs from both the United States and Canada. Those clubs are: Batavia, Brockport, Buffalo, Dunkirk-Fredonia, East Aurora, Gowanda, Jamestown, Kenmore, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Olean, Rochester, Silver Creek, South Buffalo, Tonawandas, Warsaw, Guelph, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Owen Sound, Riverdale-Toronto, St. Catherines, Thorold, Toronto, and West Toronto." /// Info & former image of marker on Busti Avenue was from "Historic Markers, Monuments & Memorials in Buffalo, NY" (apparently no longer on-line). /// Lower plaque names 16 Kiwanis clubs in the United States & nine in Canada which "made this memorial a reality." /// Apparently this marker was erected on a major approach to the Peace Bridge, but new highways now by-pass the marker. /// On 10July2016, Dave Granville found the sculptor's name engraved on this marker: "DAN JOHNSON SC" (not otherwise identified); adjacent name of foundry or studio was also found but could not be read.



August 18, 1939 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, "Rift Bridge" (central part of the Thousand Islands Bridge), near Alexandria Bay, New York (USA). Subsidiary plaque says "Relocated and Rededicated 1972." Info & upper right image from Alan DeYoung (director of 1000 Islands International Tourism Council) 22August2012. /// "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border" says "This is a major crossing, with Interstate 81, and up to 2 hour delays in the Summer. The boundary snakes through small channels around the islands in the diffused river, until it runs between Wellesley & Hill Islands & underneath the Thousand Islands Bridge... The Kiwanis Club plaque, visible at many crossings, is the only monument between the Ports of Entry." /// August 18, 1938, is the date on which President Roosevelt & PM Mackenzie King cut the ribbon on the Rift Bridge to officially open the larger 1000 Islands Bridge.


January 21, 1940 - 25th Anniversary Plaque, Downtown Detroit , Michigan (USA). Inscribed "The first Kiwanis Club was founded on this site, Janurary 21, 1915." /// "Kiwanis International is an international, coeducational service club...[now] headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA) & is found in more than 80 nations & geographic areas." /// "Kiwanis became 'international' with the chartering of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario (Canada) in 1916."


June 17, 1940 - Peace Carillon, Belle Isle Park, Detroit River, Detroit, Michigan (USA). 85-foot tower designed by Clarence Day. Inscribed: "Dedicated to the glory of God and in the hope of everlasting peace betweeen the peoples of the Dominion of Canada and of the Vnited States of America. Monvment Bvilders of America -AD 1940." Funds raised by journalist Nancy Brown who wrote a column for the Detroit News called "Experience" from 1919 to 1942. The 49-bell carillon was restored & computer automated in 2005. 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 58-59. Entry #498 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).


September 27, 1941 - Kiwanis Marker, on Rainbow Bridge over Niagara River Gorge between Ontario (Canada) & New York (USA). Bridge opened November 1, 1941. Image is from City of Niagara Falls Museums, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Caption: "A view showing dignitaries on the bridge beside a plaque [on an easel]: The unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the rememberance of the more than a century of friendship between these countries. A lesson of peace to all people, etc. (unable to read last two lines). Rainbow bridge under construction, Sept. 27, 1941." /// NB: Canadian Ryan Janek Wolowski walked this bridge, videoed every step, and photographed the 1977 Gyro International plaque [qv], but made no menton of a Kiwanis plaque.

November 11, 1941 - International Peace Monument (Bench), Belle Isle Park, Detroit River, Detroit, Michigan (USA). Carved on the back of the bench are an eagle with 13 stars for the USA & a crown & lion for Canada. Inscribed "With this everlasting witness we keep peace with our neighbors as they have kept peace with us throvghovt the years." 1 of 40 monuments in "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948), pp. 78-79. Entry #494 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).


May 6, 1942 - Zero Mile Plaque, Great Alaska Highway. Text: "ZERO MILE and the official starting point of the GREAT ALASKA HIGHWAY constructed between 1942 and 1944, and extending for 1,523 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Fairbanks, Alaska.." /// "Being cast in brass doesn't mean it's true. [Click the link to read] comments about the errors." /// May 6, 1942, is the date construction began during World War II. "The original military road was 1,670 miles long, but by the time it had been upgraded to an all-weather highway in 1943-1944, [a] sign in Dawson Creek stated the length as 1,568 miles."


In Cleveland // Car ferry at Port Stanley



Kiwanis photo // Women's Inst. photo

September 21, 1942 - Rush-Bagot Agreement Marker, 301 Water Street, Port Stanley, Elgin County, Ontario (Canada). At bridge over Kettle Creek. /// Inscription on front is identical to that of other Kiwanis peace markers. Inscription on back: "This block of Georgia granite was presented at the Cleveland convention of Kiwanis International, June, 1942, by the Kiwanians of the State of Georgia U.S.A. for erection on this site. In celebration of the century and a quarter of peace along this frontier. Inaugurated by the signing of the Rush-Bagot Agreement in Washington, April 1817." /// Middle left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Kiwanis Stone Commemorating Friendship between Canada and the United States [at] Annual Kiwanis International Convention, Cleveland, Ohio, [June]1942." Note eight flags behind the stone! /// Middle right image shows train ferry (aka car ferry) which connected Cleveland to Port Stanley until some time after WW-II. /// Lower left image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Rush-Bagot Agreement Marker, 1942. A marker celebrating 125 years of peace between the United States and Canada since the signing of the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817...dedicated on September 21, 1942." /// Lower right image from Elgin County Archives with this caption: "Rush-Bagot Treaty Cairn, Invererie Heights Park [aka Fraser Heights]. Cairn presented at the Cleveland Convention of Kiwanis International by the Georgia District in June 1942, for erection at Invererie Heights Park, Port Stanley, to commemorate the signing of the Rush-Bagot Treaty in 1817." /// Other info courtesy of John Button (immediate past president of Kiwanis International), Morpeth, Ontario. Dr. & Mrs. Button made the upper right image on 27May2016. /// N.B.: This is the ONLY Kiwanis peace marker made of stone. It was carved during WW-II when bronze was scarce. /// FYI, Port Stanley is a small town (population 2,500). Once known as the "Coney Island of the Great Lakes," it is on the north shore of Lake Erie & not exactly on the US/Canadian border, as are other Kiwanis peace markers. Shipping the stone on Lake Erie where navies fought in 1813 would symbolize the demilitarization of the Great Lakes as established in 1817 by the Rush-Bagot Treaty.

June 2010 - Lions Club Friendship Arch, Glover Park, Port Stanley, Ontario (Canada). Between Bridge Street & Lake Erie. "Marks the 50th anniversary of the Lions Club of Port Stanley." There are similar Lions Club Friendship Arches in other locations. /// According to Andrew Hibbert (editor/publisher of The Lake Erie Beacon), the municipality of Port Stanley is planning to move the Kiwanis marker to this lakeside location.

June 15, 1946 - Oregon Treaty Centennial Monument, near Peace Arch, Blaine, Washington (USA). Inscribed: "UNITED STATES. 1846-1946. Washington State Historical Society. Oregon Treaty Centennial. In commemoration of the centennial of the signing of the Oregon Boundary Treaty of 1846, this monument was erected jointly by Canadians and Americans on the international boundary line which has always remained unfortified and undefended, the symbol of peace and amity between two great peoples. June 15, 1946."


1946? - "Kiwanis Peace Marker," LOCATION UNKNOWN (Wisconsin?). Image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Wisconsin Kiwanis Peace Marker. George Story (left) and Robert Asplund (right) display the U.S.-Canadian Peace Marker that their Hamilton [Ontario] and Racine, Wisconsin clubs erected on the border." Engraved at bottom of the marker: "Erected 19___ [unclear] by Kiwanis Clubs of Racine Wisconsin and Hamilton Ontario commemorating their 30th anniversaries." NB: This marker is darker than most; is it painted? The Hamilton club (first Kiwanis club in Canada) & the Racine club were both chartered in 1916. Was this marker erected in 1946?


August 2, 1947 - Two Stone Cairns, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Montana (USA) & Alberta (Canada). "One on each side of the boundary... Funded by Rotarians in Alberta & Montana. A small tin container filled with mementos of the time was placed in the cement foundation of both cairns. The cairns were dedicated on August 2 with a 'hands across the border' handshake ceremony that has become an enduring Waterton-Glacier IPP tradition (although carried out in various locations over the years)." /// Images show the cairn on the Alberta side. Plaque in foregroud honors Lester Pearson, Canadian Nobel Peace Prize laureate.


< October 12, 1947 - Kiwanis Peace Marker, Porthill, Idaho (USA). Opposite Rykerts, British Columbia (Canada). Image & text from "The Spokesman Review," Spokane, Washington, Oct. 14, 1947: "Peace marker dedicated near Porthill. Governor C. A. Robins of Idaho (left) shakes hands with Sqd. Leader N. C. McLeod, aide-de-camp of the Canadian lieutenant governnor general in front of the Kiwanis International peace marker dedicated Sunday on the international boundary of Canada and the United States near Porthill, Idaho. The stone marker is the 22nd such marker placed on the 3000-mile border betweeen the two countries by the Kiwanis club...." This article is the only written information found after identifying this marker from the 1961 list of Kiwanis markers published in California in April 1961 [qv]. /// Right image shows former (1947?) US inspection station at Porthill.


August 2, 1948 - On Niagara River but where? Plaque inscribed "1848-1948. At this site stood the first Niagara suspension bridge built in 1848. That bridge and its three successors have given one hundred years of uninterrupted service to the peoples of the United States and Canada and have stood as monuments to the friendship existing between these two countries. They have symbolized to all the world that nations may live at peace with one another..."

August 2, 1948 - US Stamp Commemorating a "Century of Friendship, United States-Canada, 1848-1948." Shows a steam locomotive & passenger cars on the Niagara Suspension Bridge over the Niagara River, joining the US & Canada. /// "I had a heck of a time determining exactly what event occured in 1848 to begin that history. Neither Scott [stamp guide] nor the USPS 'Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps' was any help - both just say this is the US-Canadian Friendship issue... Finally, in despiration, I looked at my old H.E. Harris U.S. Stamp Album, and the caption under Scott 961 reads 'This stamp marked a century since the Niagara River was first spanned by a bridge, and 100 peaceful years along the mutually ungarded border.'"


September 26, 1948 - Kiwanis Peace Marker, between Eastport, Idaho (USA) & Kingsgate, British Columbia (Canada). From "The Spokesman Review," Spokane, Washington, Sept. 27, 1948: "Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Sept. 22 (AP) - The marker...will rest on a base in which will be placed a stone from each of the 48 states, the District of Columbia and the five provinces of Canada [sic]... A bronze marker identifying the source will be placed in front of each stone... The program is being sponsored by the Kiwanis clubs of division 8. It will start with a parade at 1 p.m.... A similar peace market [sic] was dedicated at the United States-Canadian border at Porthill, Idaho, last fall...." This article is the only written information found after identifying this marker from the 1961 list of Kiwanis markers published in California in April 1961 [qv]. /// Left image made by a recent German tourist.

1949 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Oroville, Okanogan County, Washington (USA). Upper image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Washington Kiwanis Peace Tablet, 1949. A table [sic] memorializing the century of peace between Canada and the United States is unveiled in Okanogan, Washington in 1949. The tablet was sponsored by the clubs of Division Five of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District." Image shows at least 13 young women, each wearing a corsage. Note names of many sponsoring clubs on the marker (4 in BC, 6 in Washington) & a nearby IBC monument. /// Otherwise, all written info about this plaque is from a single sentence in a short undated newspaper article (from Olympia, WA) about state authorities' delaying approval of a Lions Club peace arch at the same location as a Kiwanis marker erected in 1953 [sic]. /// Bottom image shows the Canadian inspection station in 1997 with unidentifiied monument in a cluster of shrubbery.

Date? - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, on boundary between Oroville, Washington (USA) & Osoyoos, British Columbia (Canada). Upper left image shows four friendship monuments moved from perevious locations to the new joint inspection station on the border between Oroville & Osoyoos. Kiwanis plaque is at far left, followed by Canadian Legion monument, Lions Club friendship arch, Rotary Club monument, and official IBA monument on border. These monuments are small white flecks in the lower air view, on the driveway east of the building & just inside the USA.


August 5, 1956 - Kiwanis Peace Marker, Wild Horse, Alberta (Canada). Opposite the Canadian inspection station. Plaque on unique concrete base. Middle image from Flickr also shows IBC monument. Right image from Praise FM website shows the marker on the right (east) & and inspection station on the left (west).


October 1956 - Kiwanis "Peace Marker," at Canadian Inspection Station, Carway, Alberta (Canada). On the 1961 list of Kiwanis markers [see top of this webpage]. In front of Canadian inspection station. /// According to the press, "The Carway port of entry will have a whole new look within the next few years... On average, about 90,000 vehicles & 200,000 people cross through Carway each year... 'It’s been years since it’s been done, so far we’ve been fortunate that we haven’t had any major concerns. But the world’s changing, the sophistication of people who are trying to take advantage of our open borders is increasing, so we need to make sure we are a step ahead of the bad guys.'"


August 4, 1957 - Kiwanis Peace Plaque, Alaska Highway Milepost 1223, Alaska (USA). Left image from University of Alaska. Info from Alaska State Archives. Plaque is apparently attached to a fence. Note attached little plaque (indicating that the full-size place was originally designed for installation on a different date?). Right image shows nearby border crossing. HOW DOES THIS MARKER RELATE TO THE ONE ERECTED MAY 31, 1982 (25 years later)?

August 25, 1957 - Kiwanis marker, at border inspection station, Portal, North Dakota (USA). This station was replaced in November 2012. According the saloon owner, the marble base was broken when the Kiwanis marker was moved. The marker went unclaimed for some time until he took it to his saloon (see images at right). NB: According to the 1961 list & map, this marker was in North Portal, Saskatchewan, on the Canadian side of the border. /// Top image courtesy of Christopher Sjue 26May 2016. /// Bottom image shows an unidentified monument at far right. Is this what's left of the Kiwanis peace marker?

Circa 2014 - Moved to Outback Saloon, 20 Main Street, Portal, North Dakota (USA). From "Lamenting the loss of a friendly North Dakota border crossing" by David Scollard, contributed to The Globe and Mail, March 21, 2016: "...at Portal, there is virtually no habitation on the Canadian side; on the U.S. side there’s a long-closed bank, an Australian (!) restaurant, a few houses and that’s it. In all the times we’d crossed, we had never seen another vehicle, northbound or south.... Stopping at the Australian restaurant for a bite, we noticed an elaborate plaque on the wall, replete with elegant crests, classical figures and a solemn inscription, dated 1957... I asked our waitress how the plaque came to be in this restaurant. 'Oh, they threw it out,' she replied. 'We thought it looked nice so we fished it out of the garbage and put it on the wall.' Fished it out of the garbage. Feeling more than a little deflated, we left the restaurant, crossed the border... and proceeded home [to Calgary, Alberta]...." /// Top image courtesy of Christopher Sjue 26May2016. According to Sjue, the marker is hung above a fireplace in a corner of the saloon.


October 13, 1957 - Kiwanis Peace Cairn & Plaque, Monchy/Morgan Border Crossing, Saskatchewan (Canada) & Montana (USA).. Info & images from website of Kiwanis Club in Swift Current, Saskatchewan (Canada). "Charlie Warren & his family supplied the 3000 lbs. of French Lisk (sandstone) for the column of the Cairn, and the granite plaque that commemorated international goodwill. Kiwanians from Malta (MT) laid the concrete base...Judged by [Kiwanis] International as the most beautiful of the 29 dedicated to that time. Both Clubs have met for Kiwanis picnics at the site during recent years." Restored in 2001. Right image shows US border station at left, Canadian station at right & some unidentified monuments near the latter.


August 24, 1958 - Kiwanis Marker, Mount Eisenhower, Banff National Park, Alberta (Canada). Not found on-line. From Bruno Engler fonds: Still Photography Series:" "Ceremony to dedicate plaque at Mount Eisenhower broadcasted over CFAC radio." /// Dwight D. Eisenhower [1890-1969] was president of the USA 1953-1961 during construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. /// NB: Mount Eisenhower reverted to its original name Castle Mountain in 1979.


June 26, 1959 Identical US & Canadian stamps commemorating the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. /// "Approximately 400 of the [Canadian stamps were] inverted... [The inverted stamp] has a catalogue value of $16,000.00 CAD for a perfect specimen, which is difficult to obtain due to frequent handling of the stamps by the public since its release in 1959."


April 21-29, 1961 - Thirty-sixth observance of Kiwanis' Canada-U.S. Good Will Week. Somebody (at Kiwanis International headquarters?) prepares a press release with a map locating & naming "the thirty-two Peace Markers which Kiwanis Clubs on both sides of the common U.S.-Canadian border have established at [all] principal ports of entry. These Markers are dramatic proof of the peaceful nature of the longest unfortified boundary in the world." [From "Canada-U.S. Goodwill Week Will Be Observed by Local Kiwanis Club," Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California, April 20, 1961. Same article & map in the Monroe Monitor of Monroe, Washington, April 13, 1961. And presumably placed in many other local newspapers by nearby Kiwanis clubs.] NB: Slightly different maps & articles appeared in local newspapers before & after 1961.

1961 - "At [Kiwanis'] International Convention in Toronto, Ontario, the delegates were asked to vote on one of the most important resolutions ever presented in the history of Kiwanis: 'Resolved, we favor the establishment of Kiwanis clubs in other countries in addition to Canada and the United States; under due safeguards fixed by the Board of Trustees of Kiwanis International.' When the votes were counted, the extension delegates had won: 2,394 delegates [58%] supported extension; 1,762 opposed it... On May 15, 1962, the Kiwanis Club of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico - the first Kiwanis club organized outside the United States and Canada - received its charter."



November 17, 1962 - Kiwanis Peace Marker, on Lewiston-Queenston Bridge over Niagara River Gorge between Lewiston, New York (USA), & Queenston, Ontario (Canada) Bridge opened November 1, 1962, & Kiwanis plaque dedicated 16 days later. Plaque says "Canada" whereas previous & later Kiwanis plaques say "Dominion of Canada." /// Upper right image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Niagara Falls Peace Marker, 1962. Richard Drake (left) and Robert Cannon (right), presidents of the Lewiston, New York and Stamford, Ontario Kiwanis clubs respectively, present a U.S.-Canadian Peace Marker near Niagara Falls, Ontario on November 17, 1962."

June 10, 2013 - Permanently removed from the bridge circa 2012 due to renovations & elimination of pedestrian walkway. Rededication on June 10, 2013, on side of historic (1816) Little Yellow House, 476 Center Street, Lewiston, NY (with new yellow & blue plaque entitled "Kiwanians Promoting Peace: Then & Now") & adjacent to 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden of International Peace Garden Foundation (IPGF). /// Images of plaques & Little Yellow House are from information submitted by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York, to The Historic Marker Database of Springfield, Virginia. /// Top image from Lewiston-Queenston Bridge webpage with this caption: "Kiwanis Dedication - Voice of Lewiston Kiwanis Club President Jeff Sanderson." /// Some information 18April2016 from Mr. Terry Collefano (historian of Kiwanis Club in Lewiston , NY).

P
A
R
K
August 20, 1964 - Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Campobello Island, New Brunswick (Canada). "From 1883 onward, the Roosevelt family of Hyde Park, New York (USA), made Campobello Island their summer home. Their son, Franklin D. Roosevelt, would spend his summers on Campobello from the age of one until, as an adult, he acquired a larger property - a 34-room 'cottage' - which he would use as a summer retreat until 1939. It was here that Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr., was born in August 1914." This is where FDR suddenly contracted polio in August 1921 at age 39. Image shows the Roosevelt Cottage in what became the international park on August 20, 1964. NB: Only bridge to Campobello Island is from Maine (USA). The l,l58 hectare (2,800 acre) park also contains "Sunsweep," stone monument by sculptor David Barr (qv). Entry #1264 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).


Old
Flag

New
Flag
February 15, 1965 - Canada's new flag makes its first official appearance. This date is now celebrated annually as National Flag of Canada Day.


November 28, 1965 - Added plaque under original Kiwanis plaque at Peace Arch on border at Blaine, Washington (USA). Text: "IN COMMEMORATION OF one hundred and fifty years of peace, 1814-1964 between Canada and the United States of America. The signing of the Columbia River Treaty on September 16th, 1964, at this International Peace Arch Park by the president of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, and the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Lester B. Pearson P.C. Erected and dedicated to continued peace and goodwill of the peoples of Canada and the United States by Kiwanis International on November 26, 1965."


June 1966 - "Kiwanis Friendship Marker," International Bridge, Hidalgo, Texas (USA). Image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Border Kiwanians Dedicate Friendship Marker. The first Mexico-US friendship marker was dedicated in June 1966 by the Kansas District and McAllen, Texas, Kiwanians at the International Bridge at Hidalgo, Texas." Note that marker design is much different from the US/Canada markers.



1967 - Centennial Marker, Klondike Highway, Fraser, British Columbia (Canada). Inscribed "Erected Centennial Year, 1967." 1967 is the centennial of Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867! /// According to Wikipedia, "Fraser, British Columbia is a location on the Klondike Highway [& White Pass & Yukon Route] railway in northwestern British Columbia. It has no permanent residents or businesses." But Fraser contains the border crossing between Skagway, Alaska, & Whitehorse, Yukon. And the marker appers to be mounted to the north wall of the railway building (note same color!). /// Upper left image ("taken on September 1, 2006, by DrLensCap [sic]") is from Flickriver. Upper right image from The Explore North Blog shows same railway building in winter. /// N.B.: This may be the only Kiwanis marker specially inscribed for an event or anything other than its date of dedication. This marker & the 1962 marker in Lewiston, NY (qv), also appear to be darker than previous Kiwanis markers (made from different kind of bronze?).

May 1970 -"A rare moment of tension between the United States & Canada came in May 1970 when approximately 450 Canadian demonstrators, protesting the recent U.S. invasion of Cambodia, crossed the border at Peace Arch Park, tore down U.S. flags, and vandalized structures in Blaine before police & Blaine citizens drove them back across the border in a hail of nightsticks & fists."


1976 - Carilion Bell Tower, International Peace Garden, Dunseith, North Dakota (USA), and Boissevain, Manitoba (Canada). Constructed by North Dakota veterans as a US Bicentennial project. Contains bells made in England in 1932 but not donated to the Peace Garden until 1969.

1977 - 13-cent stamp commemorating "Peace Bridge 1927-77." Fiftieth anniversary of the Peace Bridge between Buffalo, New York (USA), and Port Erie, Ontario (Canada).
1977 - 12-cent stamp commemorating "Peace Bridge 1927-77." Fiftieth anniversary of the Peace Bridge between Buffalo, New York (USA), and Port Erie, Ontario (Canada).


1977 - Gyro International Plaque, on Rainbow Bridge over Niagara River. Inscribed: "GYRO INTERNATIONAL, A Fraternity of Friendship. Founded in 1912 and dedicated to the friendship of man. Placed here as a testimonial to Gyro members on both sides of the territorial border of Canada and the United States and is dedicated to their friendship. May our two great countries and their Gyro Fraternity prosper forever with sincere respect for the sensitivities of our fellow man. Dedicated 1977." Photo of & by Ryan Janek Wolowski.

1979 - Gyro International Plaque, on international border near Peace Arch, Blaine, Washington (USA). "East of the Peace Arch and the northbound highway, standing on the borderline is a monument carved from a large granite stone. It bears the [same inscription as on Rainbow Bridge]. Gyro founder Paul Schwan of Ohio lived to enjoy the birth of this club at Cleveland, June 24, 1912... Schwan joined the United States Army April 1, 1918, and died seventeen days later, a victim of influenza..."


New
Flag
1982 - Canada's new name: "Until the 1950s, the term Dominion of Canada was commonly used to identify the country. As Canada acquired political authority and autonomy from the United Kingdom, the federal government began using simply 'Canada' on state documents. The transition away from the use of 'Dominion' was formally reflected in 1982 with the passage of the Canada Act, which refers only to Canada. Later that year, the national holiday was renamed from Dominion Day to Canada Day. Section 4 of the 1867 BNA Act also declares that: 'Unless it is otherwise expressed or implied, the Name Canada shall be taken to mean Canada as constituted under this Act.' And this has been interpreted to mean that the name of the country is simply Canada."


May 31, 1982 - Kiwanis Peace Cairn & Plaque, on Alaska Highway between Tok, Alaska (USA) & Beaver Creek, Yukon Territory (Canada). First & third images by University Kiwanis Club [in Anchorage] with this caption: "On May 21, 2010, [we] joined with members of all other Alaska/Yukon Division Kiwanis Clubs to upgrade the Alaska Highway Kiwanis monument at the Alaska/Yukon Territory border. This monument was originally installed back in 1982 by the Alaska/Yukon Kiwanis members." /// Second image taken on July 4, 2008, by Philip Greenspun of MIT. /// Fourth image by Andreas Rutkauskas. /// HOW DOES THIS MARKER RELATE TO THE ONE ERECTED AUGUST 4, 1957 (25 years earlier)?


1982 - Peace Towers, International Peace Garden, Dunseith, North Dakota (USA) and Boissevain, Manitoba (Canada). 120 foot (36.6 meters) tall with four columns representing people from the four corners of the world coming together to form two similar but distinct nations with a common base of democracy & beliefs. /// In 2015, the towers were determined to be unsafe & need to be torn down. "Peace Garden officials say they want to replace them with another symbol of the strong bond between the United States & Canada."
July 14, 1982 - 20-cent postage stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of the International Peace Garden, Dunseith, North Dakota (USA) and Boissevain, Manitoba (Canada).

August 1982 - Kiwanis International headquarters moves to Indianapolis, Indiana.

July 24, 1983 - "Canadians & Americans span the border at Thousand Islands Bridge, linking New York & Ontario, to protest nuclear weapons & border harassment of peace activists."


May 18, 1985 - Lions Club Friendship Arch, on traffic island at US end of Rainbow Bridge over Niagara River, Niagara Falls, New York (USA). Inscription: "Dedicated to The Open Borders and Friendship of The United States and Canada by the Lions Clubs of District 20-N, William E. Scarafia Humprey O. Scroi District Governor PDC - Chairman, May 18, 1985 " There are similar Lions Club Friendship Arches in other locations.

"SunSweep" by Michigan sculptor David Barr [1940-2015]. These three stone monuments span 2,778 miles (4,471 km) of the international border between the USA & Canada.

West End of Arc
1985 - Lighthouse Marine Park, Point Roberts, Washington (USA). In the USA but accessible by road only from Canada. Entry #1049 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).
Middle of Arc
1985 - American Point Island, Lake-of-the-Woods, Minnesota (USA). In lake between the two nations & acessible only by water (or frozen water). Entry #512 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).
East End of Arc
1985 - Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Weshpool, New Brunswick (Canada). In Canada but accesible only by road from the USA. Entry #1265 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).





1986-1991 - "Arctic Arc," Cape Dezhnev, Naukan (Russia) & Cape Prince of Wales, Wales, Alaska (USA). A joint project by Michigan sculptor David Barr [1940-2015] and Alaskan artist Joe Senungetuk. Two "sculpture installations" evoking a bird, a boat, and a hand extended in friendship. About 60 miles (97 km) apart on each side of the Bering Sea at sites of the first human migrations into North America. According to Barr, "the two sculptures are a peaceful symbol for a border of international tension." Entry #16 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001).

April 6, 1987 - Address by US President Ronald Reagan to a Joint Session of Parliament in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada): "On the border between Canada and the United States stands a plaque commemorating over a century and a half of friendship. It calls the border, 'a lesson of peace to all nations.' And that's what it is: a concrete, living lesson that the path to peace is freedom, that the relations of free peoples—no matter how different, no matter how distinct their national characters—those relations will be marked by admiration, not hostility. Go stand along the border at the beginning of July. You'll see the Maple Leaf and the Stars and Stripes mixed in a swirling cloud of visitors and celebrants. As a Canadian writer once put it: What's the difference between Dominion Day and July Fourth? About 48 hours. [Laughter] Yes, we have differences, disputes, as any two sovereign nations will; but we're always able to work them out, entre amis [between friends]." /// N.B.: Reagan said "a plaque commemorating over a century and a half of friendship." Actually, by the time he spoke, there were still over two dozen identical plaques each commmorating 173 years of peace and friendship.


July 1-4, 1987 - Commemorative coins for Friendship Festival. Inscribed "Peace Bridge, Buffalo-Fort Erie, 'The bridge that peace built.'" /// "The Friendship Festival is an annual celebration of the bond between Canada & the US. This event is held in Fort Erie, Ontario, & Buffalo, New York, which are connected by the Peace Bridge. The festival began in 1987 & is held from June 29 to July 4. These dates encompass Canada Day (July 1) & Independence Day (July 4). The festival also marks the nearly 200 year state of official peace between the two neighbors since the end of the War of 1812."


May 3, 1989 - New Canadian Embassy, 1746 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC (USA). Closest embassy to US Capitol. Left image shows embassy flags, Pennsylvania Avenue & Capitol dome as seen from neighboring Newseum. Right image shows inuksuit & Pennsylvania Avenue from inside the embassy. Both images by EWL 31Oct2011.


1998 - "At the Un-National Monument along the Canadian Border" by William E. Stafford (from "The Way It Is: New & Selected Poems," copyright © 1998 by William E. Stafford [1914-1993], Graywolf Press, St. Paul, Minnesota (USA):
This is the field where the battle did not happen, where the unknown soldier did not die.
This is the field where grass joined hands, where no monument stands, and the only heroic thing is the sky.

Birds fly here without any sound, unfolding their wings across the open.
No people killed—or were killed—on this ground hallowed by neglect and an air so tame that people celebrate it by forgetting its name.


Stafford
"The two rhyming cinquains pay tribute to the longest practically unguarded border between two countries in the entire world--that between the US and Canada. The grass crosses it seamlessly, as does the sky overhead. The lasting peace between the two countries is remarkable, and would have been an important example of how the world ideally could be in the mind of the pacifist poet William Stafford. Granted, in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, there have been changes to the ease with which the border may be crossed, but the peaceful relations endure to this day."

September 11, 2001 - Terrorist attacks in the United States kill 24 Canadians. Hundreds of planes carrying thousands of passengers are diverted to Canadian airports.


October 20, 2001 - Gateway to Freedom, Hart Plaza, Detroit, Michigan (USA). Depicts a group of slaves on US soil looking towards Canada and freedom. Detroit was on the central route to freedom, the "underground railroad." Sculpted by Ed Dwight of Denver, Colorado. A collaboration of "Detroit 300" & the International Underground Railroad Monument Collaborative.

October 20, 2001 - Tower of Freedom, 100 Pitt Street East, Windsor, Ontario (Canada). "Faces the Gateway to Freedom monument across the Detroit River and together are called the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad. A 22 foot tower with a bronze Flame of Freedom created by Denver based sculptor Ed Dwight. The monument honours the harrowing journey made by thousands in search of freedom and pays tribute to Ontario’s role in the Underground Railroad."



July 4, 2003 - Kiwanis Peace Cairn & Plaque, near Skagway, Alaska (USA). At international border between Alaska & British Columbia. On road from Skagway to Whitehorse in the Klondike part of Yukon Territory (Canada). Multiple Kiwanis plaques on an inuksuk with a concrete core. /// Built "with contributions of Kiwanis clubs in Canada (mostly BC) & the U.S. (mostly Washington), this stone monument on the Alaska/Canada border reads "This unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the remembrance of the more than a century old friendship betweeen these countries, a lesson peace to all nations." /// From "Pacific Northwest District Builder," September 2003, page 13: "The most unique Kiwanis Peace Marker on the U.S./Canadaian border... Led by the Whitehorse, Yukon Territory club and club President Satan Marinoske, Kiwanians from the AYN Division spent the July 4th weekend building the first Peace Marker monument to be constructed on the U.S./Canadian Border in over twenty years... Located on the Alaskan side of the border at the Skagway/Fraser border crossing, the monument is a ten foot tall representation of an Inuksuk - the calssic Inuit stone figure... Designed by Whitehorse Kiwanian Rob Mason a professional architect, the monument features over 30 commemorative stones donated by other Pacific Northwest Clubs in Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, Washington & Idaho... The four day project was several years and $10,000 in the making..." /// Is this the last of the Kiwanis peace markers?

September 11, 2004 - International Boundary Plaque, Ambassador Bridge, between Detroit, Michigan (USA), & Windsor, Ontario (Canada). Mayors of Windsor & Detroit view plaque where the boundary crosses the bridge during a rededication ceremony on the 75th anniversary of the bridge. Apparently no mention is made of the 1935 Kiwanis marker (qv).

December 18, 2006 - "The [1817] Rush-Bagot Treaty [qv] has popped into the news repeatedly in the years following September 11, 2001. The US State Department interpreted the treaty not to prohibit the US Coast Guard from outfitting its vessels patrolling the Great Lakes with machine guns, largely to address perceived increases in terrorist threats & illegal smuggling operations. The Coast Guard then quietly developed a plan to conduct live-fire target practice in 34 hilariously named 'safety zones' in the Great Lakes -- including one just a few miles off Chicago's North Shore. When the public found out about the possibility that the Great Lakes would become a giant nautical shooting range, they flipped out. The Coast Guard withdrew the ill-fated proposal on December 18, 2006." (Click here for source of this quote.) Click here for another story.


April? 2008 - "US and Canada Toast Friendship. The Plattsburgh Breakfast Kiwanis Club, Adirondack Division - met with members from the Montreal St George Kiwanis Club at the St James Club in Montreal to observe Canada-United States Goodwill Week... The values in international goodwill and friendship are inestimable. In a time of passport discussions and policy changes, Canada-United States Goodwill Week observances reaffirm and further build upon our continued camaraderie. The photo on [left], depicts such a relationship between Kiwanis members across borders... The establishment of thirty-five Kiwanis peace markers [sic] along the common border now exist including the one depicted which is located at the LaColle [Quebec] crossing. There are also two peace markers not on the border that are located in Washington DC and Mount Eisenhower (near Banft) in the Canadian Rockies... Photo caption: "Plattsburgh Breakfast Kiwanians Tony Moran, Bob Turoff, DPLG Helen Chauvin, Nicole Guy (Canadian Kiwanian) and Bonnie Fenwick, (88-89 Lt Gov Designate) toast in celebration of the friendship between our countries." From Empire State Kiwanian, July 2008, page 6.


2008 - "Beyond Walls: Re-inventing the Canada-United States Borderlands" by Victor Konrad & Heather N. Nicol, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 352 pages. From amazon.com: "September 11, 2001 marked the beginning of a new era of security imperatives for many countries. The border between Canada and the United States suddenly emerged from relative obscurity to become a focus of constant attention by media, federal and state/provincial governments on both sides of the boundary, and the public at large. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the Canada-USA border in its 21st century form, placing it within the context of border and borderlands theory, globalization and the changing geopolitical dialogue. It argues that this border has been reinvented as a 'state of the art', technology-steeped crossing system, while the image of the border has been engineered to appear consistent with the 'friendly' border of the past. It shows how a border can evolve to a heightened level of security and yet continue to function well, sustaining the massive flow of trade. It argues whether, in doing so, the US-Canada border offers a model for future borderlands. Although this model is still evolving and still aspires toward better management practices, the template may prove useful, not only for North America, but also in conflict border zones as well as the meshed border regions of the EU, Africa's artificial line boundaries and other global situations."

Date? - Peace Gardens, Perry Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island, Ohio (USA). "'Planting the Seeds of Peace' is an annual event [on the Canadian holiday of Queen Victoria Day] at Perry's Victory that commemorates the long-lasting peace between Canada, Great Britain & the United States through the arts, music, gardening & educational activities for all ages. In the afternoon, area gardeners young & old are invited to help plant the park's new peace gardens on the corner of Toledo & Bay View Avenues & the corner of Hartford & Bay View Avenues." /// "Park Superintendent Blanca Alvarez Stransky explains 'Gardens are synonymous with peace & transcend all language barriers. The planting of a peace garden at the Memorial is the perfect method for expressing the park’s dual mission - commemorating the War of 1812 & honoring the long-lasting peace between countries.'" /// When were "the park's new peace gardens" first created?

May 2010 - Dry Stone Wall Arch, at office of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, Ivy Lea, Ontario (Canada). "Wallers from as far away as, Rochester, New York, & Montreal, Quebec, came by to lend a helping hand. John-Shaw Rimmington, a professional dry stone waller from the Toronto area, led the brigade of seven for this two-day project." /// Ivy Lea is a hamlet in the Thousand Islands area of the St. Lawrence River.

Date? - Lions Club Friendship Arch, near Ivy Lea, Ontario (Canada). "Located on the Canada/USA border." There are similar Lions Club Friendship Arches in other locations.


G
A
R
D
E
N
June 2010 - War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden, 476 Center Street, Lewiston, New York (USA). "Behind the historic Yellow House... Celebrates the two hundred years of peace & longstanding friendship between two countries that share the worlds longest undefended boarder. Visit the garden & then walk the store [sic] of Lewiston where you will find many unique stores & resturants [sic]...." A Kiwanis marker will be added to this site in 2013.

G
A
R
D
E
N
2012 - Honorary International Peace Garden, Holland Land Office Museum, Main Street, Batavia, New York (USA). Created for the bicentennial of the war of 1812. "11,000 sq ft 350' long by 25' X 30'. [Includes] a memory/celebration walk, a monument of Paulo Busti who was responsible for the settlement of the area, a military monument with a globe of the world, a design of a mill stone to honor the placement of the early setlement as it is along side a creek, several benches for a peaceful safe place to relax right at the crossroads of western New York, 23 flags flying that will respresent each country that has a [IPGF] garden & a three sided information kioas [sic] to announce community events." /// Part of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail.

2012 - 200 years since the War of 1812.

2014 - 200 years since the beginning of the unfortified boundary.


2014 - "United Divide" Exhibit, Center for Land Use Interpretation (CLUI), 9331 Venice Boulevard, Culver City (near Los Angeles), California (USA). "[Fully] titled "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border," the exhibit presents the nation’s northern boundary as a kind of continental cross-section & describes the relationship between these two countries by considering the incidental & intentional cultural objects that the boundary line creates. Features more than 1,100 captioned images divided into five regional chapters & shown on five touchscreens, as well as printed & digital maps & graphics, & an official stainless steel border monument on loan from the International Boundary Commission (IBC)." CLUI's on-line report "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border" describes many if not most of the 115 border crossings between the USA & Canada but mentions and/or includes photos of only three of the Kiwanis markers -- at the Thousand Islands Bridge (NY/ON), Metaline Falls/Nelway (WA/BC) & Peace Arch (WA/BC) border crossings.


2015 - 100 years since the founding of Kiwanis in the USA (in Detroit, Michigan).
June 25-28, 2015 - Centenial Convention of Kiwanis International, Indianapolis, Indiana (USA).


July 18, 2015 - Mackinac Island Peace Garden, Mackinac Island, Michigan (USA). Includes "Be Still" sculpture by Gareth Cartiss (statue of Indian standing on a Great Turtle & flanked by an American eagle & a British lion. "This peace garden & statue represent the War of 1812 and the now lasting peace between the nations involved." Dedicated exactly 200 years after Britain peacefully returned control of the island to the United States.

February 29-April 8, 2016 - "Borderline" Exhibition, FOFA Gallery, 1515 Ste-Catherine St West, Montréal, Québec (Canada). By photograher Andreas Rutkauskas. "The images in this exhibition depict idiosyncratic, and at times absurd infrastructure, which delineate the line between these two nations. These photographs of often unintentionally sculptural constructions are presented alongside research materials & archival documents that detail the history of defining this boundary, and provide a glimpse into possible futures along the divide."


2016 - 100 years since the founding of the first Kiwanis club in Canada (in Hamilton, Ontario).
June 23-26, 2016 - 101st Annual Convention of Kiwanis International, Toronto, Ontario (Canada).

5 MARKERS WHOSE DATES OF DEDICATION ARE UNKNOWN:


Dates? - Kiwanis Peace Markers. This description represents five (5) markers named by the list of Kiwanis markers widely published in 1961 [qv] for which no further information has been found -- Not found on-line. They are at:
#10 Coutts, Alberta - Sweet Grass, Montana
#13 West Poplar, Saskatchewan ["West Poplar River" opposite Opheim, Montana]
#16 Killarney, Manitoba ["Kilarney" - opposite St. John, North Dakota]
#24 Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario
#28 Ogdensburg, New York [opposite Prescott, Ontario]

Date? - Coutts, Alberta (Canada). "International Welcome Sign." Image from Flickriver. "In 2004, a [large] joint border facility [right image] opened in Coutts–Sweet Grass, Montana, housing both Canadian & American federal authorities." Was the Kiwanis peace marker moved or destroyed or lost at this time?

Date? - Border Crossing, Opheim, Montana (USA). Opposite West Poplar River, Saskatchewan (Canada). Photo shows monument at far right. Could this be the Kiwanis peace marker known to have been erected at this crosssing on an unknown date? NB: This rural border crossing appears to have changed very little over the years.

3 MARKERS WHOSE DATES & LOCATIONS ARE UNKNOWN:


Date? - Kiwanis Peace Marker. Image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Kiwanis Peace Marker. Kiwanis International Secretary Fred C. W. Parker (left) stands with other Kiwanis officials at a U.S.-Canada Peace Marker."
STONE LESS THAN HEAD HIGH WITH NO KIWANIS LOGO & PROTRUSION BELOW THE MARKER.


Date? - "International Peace Marker," near Glasgow, Montana (USA). Image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Montana International Peace Marker. Representatives of Kiwanis International, Boy Scouts of America, and Boy Scouts of Canada meet in front of a U.S.-Canadian Peace Marker near Glasgow, Montana." Note names of sponsoring clubs (about 25 in Montana & less than 10 in Canada). Also note nearby IBC monument.
STONE MORE THAN HEAD HIGH WITH KIWANIS LOGO ABOVE THE MARKER.


Date? - Kiwanis Peace Marker. Image from IUPUI archives with this caption: "Pacific Northwest Peace Marker. Kiwanis officials stand by a U.S.-Canada Peace Marker erected by various clubs of the Pacific Northwest District. Pictured (left to right) are: Pacific Northwest District Governor J. N. Emerson, International Trustee R. George McCuish, Tablet Committee Chairman Dr. E. N. Dayton, Table Committee Member Dan Droz, Division Six Lieutenant Governor Oscar W. Nelson, and Past International Trustee A. H. Synison." Note names of sponsoring clubs.
STONE MORE THAN HEAD HIGH WITH KIWANIS LOGO ABOVE THE MARKER.

Source Notes

I have gathered sporatic information about the Kiwanis peace markers (and every other peace monument in the world) ever since I started my peace monuments website in 2008.

From the very beginning, I relied on "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). According to Bennett [entry #1207]: "During the 1930s-1950s, Kiwanis erected 31 plaques & tablets all along the border & elsewhere to celebrate the lasting peace between the two countries. The markers typically feature two female figures holding wreaths that surround the seals of the two nations. The US figure also carries a cornucopia, & the Canadian figure a sheaf of wheat, representing bounty. One tablet says: 'The unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the remembrance of the more than a century-old friendship between these countries -- a lesson of peace to all nations.'."

Although Bennett claims there are 31 monuments, he names only 13 (14 including the 1935 Rush-Bagot Memorial Tablet in Washington, DC). Perhaps his source of specific information was "Peace Symbols" by Mary Arizona (Zonia) Baber (1948) because she named the same 13, and Bennett cited her book in his list of "works cited."

In August 2012, my wife and I drove to Ontario and Quebec (click here for photos of our journey). We intended to cross Ambassador Bridge and look for the first of the specially designed Kiwanis peace markers (whose continued existence is not confirmed by any source), but bridge traffic was backed up, and we detoured to the tunnel beteen Detroit and Windsor. In Corwall, Ontario, we searched the riverfront and inquired at a museum and visitors centre for any information about a Kiwanis marker or markers but found none. We got lost on the Canadian approaches to the 1000 Islands bridge, made a U-turn, saw the Kiwanis marker (I think), and passed back through Canadian customs and immigration without returning to the USA. In Lacolle, Quebec, we again inquired about a Kiwanis marker we thought would be on one of the border crossing highways south of town, but locals said they knew nothing about any such a marker. We drove out of our way to reenter the USA at Trout River where we in fact found and photographed the Kiwanis marker which has been there since 1937 (see "An Internatonal Incident" below). At the New York end of the 1000 Islands bridge, we met Alan DeYoung (director of 1000 Islands International Tourism Council) who very kindly photograhed the 1000 Islands marker and emailed an image (see above).

After receiving email from Colville, Washington, on March 29, 2016, I started searching the internet in ernest for additional information. Individual markers are named or partially described on many websites (including scans of old newspapers reproducing Kiwanis press releases from the 1950's and 1960's), but NO web page speaks of more than one marker or about the markers as whole. Mearly listing all of the markers proved to be a mamouth task. To make sense of fragmentary information, I constructed and constantly added data to a table of all markers in chronological order (click here).

From "Canada-U.S. Goodwill Week Will Be Observed by Local Kiwanis Club," Healdsburg Tribune, Enterprise and Scimitar, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California, April 20, 1961: As shown on the black-and-white map at the top of this web page, "there are now thirty-two Kiwanis-sponsored peace markers along the three thousand mile Canada-U.S. border... [This] announcement was made at the time of the 1961 observance of Canada-U.S. Goodwill Week..." Same article & map in the Monroe Monitor of Monroe, Washington, April 13, 1961.]

The Kiwanis cairn dedicated at Monchy, Saskatchewan [see below], on October 13, 1957, "was the 29th Peace Cairn. Since then, 12 more have been erected. [From "Fifty Years of Building (1921-1971)," web page of the Kiwanis Club of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, undated but title & content imply 1971.]" This source therefore implies a total of 41 Kiwanis markers by 1971.

As shown above, additional markers were erected in 1982 & 2003 (both on the Alaska border), thus bringing the hypothetical total to 43. In fact, the various sources of overall information are inconsistent, markers have come & gone, at least one was erected on the US border with Mexico, and any estimate of the total number of Kiwanis peace markers is therefore subject to correction.

Identified above are 45 Kiwanis peace markers -- 38 (84%) with dates of dedication and 35 (78%) with at least one image (historic and/or relatively new). At least 18 markers still exist -- 16 at or near their original locations & two moved away from the border. What about the other markers? Which survive, and which no longer exist? Research needs to be done by Kiwanis clubs or by others. Click here to access a table comparing what's currently known about the 45 markers.

Also shown above are selected other monuments celebrating US/Canadian peace & firendship. Click here to access "Peace Monuments Related to US/Canadian Friendship" which has less about Kiwanis markers but more about non-Kiwanis monuments.

Click here for Wikipedia's list of Canada-US border crossings. | Click here for "Atlas of the Land Entry Ports on the Canada-U.S. Border." by the Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI). | Click here for a website about boundary markers on the international border (49th parallel). | Click here for Wikipedia article on the US/Canada border. | Click here for Wikipedia article on the 49th Parallel North. | Click here for "A Not-So-Straight Story" from the New York Times. | Click here for "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border" by the Center for Land Use Interpretation (CLUI).

[N.B.: This note was last updated on May 6, 2016.]


1948 - "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber, 96 pages, paperback, published by Womens International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Room 635, 410 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago 5, Illinois, or 2006 Walnut Stree, Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania, price $1.00. Borrowed from Illinois State Library. Dedication: "Miss Baber dedicates this book to the cause of World Peace, and on her eighty-sixth birthday presents it as a gift to the WILPF." Describes 40 peace monuments. /// According to Zonia Baber, "Kiwanis International has excelled all other groups in this country in the number of peace symbols they have established," but she names only 13 locations.


2001 - "Peace movement directory: North American organizations programs, museums and memorials" by James Richard Bennett, McFarland & Co., Jefferson (North Carolina), pp. 310. Covers peace monuments in the USA, Canada & Mexico & at the UN in New York City. Contains a "Canadian Introduction" by John MacLeod. Bennett is professor emeritus of English, University of Arkansas. MacLeod is Director, École d'architecture de paysage, Université de Montréal. Click here for more information. /// According to Bennett [entry #1207]: "During the 1930s-1950s, Kiwanis erected 31 plaques & tablets all along the border & elsewhere to celebrate the lasting peace between the two countries. The markers typically feature two female figures holding wreaths that surround the seals of the two nations. The US figure also carries a cornucopia, & the Canadian figure a sheaf of wheat, representing bounty. One tablet says: 'The unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America should quicken the remembrance of the more than a century-old friendship between these countries -- a lesson of peace to all nations.'." /// Although Bennett claims there are 31 monuments, he names only 13 (14 including the 1935 Rush-Bagot Memorial Tablet in Washington, DC). Perhaps his source of specific information was "Peace Symbols" by Zonia Baber (1948) because she named the same 13, and Bennett cited her book in his list of "works cited."


Incidentally, the three buildings which stradle
the international boundry in this image are an
apartment house in current use & a duty free store
that has been shuttered for years. Formerly the store
was a bar & restaurant called the Frontier Grill.
An International Incident!
August 21, 2012 - My most memorable border experience occurred on August 21, 2012. My wife and I were driving home from Quebec and went out of our way to use the rural border crossing at Trout River, New York, in order to see if its Kiwanis monument had survived for 75 years. I asked the border guard on the Canadian side. He said "Sure!" and pointed to the monument in no man's land. I asked if I could take a photo, and he said "Sure!" again, "Just walk on out there." So I did. But three guards from the US side spotted me, drew their pistols, and started running toward me as I approached the monument. I ignored them, took two photos (shown on the right), then turned my back on the three guards and walked (bravely -- like 007!) back to our vehicle which was still parked at the Canadian inspection station. My wife witnessed all of this and was scared to death. I thought my goose would be cooked when we presented ourselves for reentry into our native land, but the guard on duty said nothing, and I am still alive to tell the tale. /// Years later, I found the satellite image shown on the left (from "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border") & learned that the Kiwanis monument (a little white fleck in the image) is actually just inside the USA and much closer to the US inspection station than it is to the Canadian station. In the bottom image (from the CLUI website) the monument appears to be hidden behind the orange traffic separator right at the border.


September 2, 2013 - "Monumental Beauty: Peace Monuments and Museums Around the World" by Edward W. Lollis, Peace Partners International, Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee (USA), pp. 75. Illustrated with 416 peace monuments & museums for peace. Available from Amazon.com & other booksellers around the world in hardback (at $44.00), softcover (at $22.00) & eBook editions (at $9.99). /// Lollis includes photos of the Harding Interntional Good Will Memorial (1925) & the Kiwanis Peace Plaque at Trout River, New York (1937). From introduction to Chapter 4 (1931-1939: Parks & Bombs): "This period is famous for the world's first transborder peace park, a combination of Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, and of Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. Also in 1932, the same two countries inaugurate the International Peace Garden betwen Manitoba and North Dakota. Starting in 1935, Kiwanis International scatters about 20 identical plaques along the 8,891 kilometer US-Canadian border. Their inscriptions say, 'This unfortified boundary line...should quicken the remembrance of the more than a century old friendship between these countries, a lesson of peace to all nations.' Russian artist Nicholas Roerich and Chicago geographer Zonia Baber are high priests of peace monuments. He devises the 'Banner of Peace' in 1931 and causes an international pact for the protection of historic sites to be signed at the White House on April 15, 1935. She lectures about peace monuments for the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, plots them on a world map, and publishes the first known list of peace monuments in 1937..." /// Lollis cites Baber (1948) & Bennett (2001) in his Bibliography.


2014 - "United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border," Center for Land Use Interpretation (CLUI), 9331 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, California (USA). "An exhibition about the USA/Canada border, from [east] coast to [west] coast. Presents the nation’s northern boundary as a kind of continental cross-section, and describes the relationship between these two countries by considering the incidental and intentional cultural objects that the boundary line creates. Also examine[s] the exclaves and other anomalies of the line, including Indian reservations on the border that make complicated, three-nation zones. The exhibit doggedly follows the line across the continent, from Maine to Washington state, the longest shared international boundary in the world (we left out the Alaska portion, as it is wilderness, mostly, pretty much)." /// Describes many if not most of the 120 land border crossings between the USA & Canada but mentions and/or includes photos of only three of the Kiwanis markers -- at the Thousand Islands Bridge (NY/ON), Metaline Falls/Nelway (WA/BC) & Peace Arch (WA/BC) border crossings.

Background Information

The United States and Canada have the longest common border in the world. The terrestrial boundary (including small portions of maritime boundaries on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic coasts, as well as the Great Lakes) is 8,891 kilometres (5,522 miles) long. The border has been unmilitarized (unfortified) since 1814.

The USA & Canada are the biggest trading partners in the world. 100 million people & 50 million vehicles cross the border every year through 115 ports of entry. Around $300 billion in commerce goes over the border each way every year -- nearly half of it over a single bridge, the [privately-owned] Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan, & Windsor, Ontario."

"When it is not following a waterway, like the St. Lawrence River or the Great Lakes, the boundary is a 20 foot-wide, monument-studded corridor, marked, cleared & maintained by the International Boundary Commission (IBC)... There once were hundreds of buildings on the border (many of which were used to serve liquor during Prohibition). Now there are less than 40."

According to the BPRI, there are 146 "legal land crossing points...at which a vehicle can directly travel by road (or railroad) from the U.S. to Canadian soil..., of which 26 are rail lines and 120 are roadways (19 bridges, 1 tunnel, and 100 roads)."


1000 Islands, NY/ON, Aug. 18, 1939

Kiwanis markers (32 as of 1961)

Paterson, BC, Mar. 26, 2016
Please email your comments & questions to geovisual at comcast.net. Thank you.

Return to Peace Monuments main page.