AUTHOR’S NOTE

Stones of Rebellion completes a trilogy in the form of a website that began with the publication of The Mackenzie Panels: The Strange Case of Niagara’s Fallen Arch and 1837 Rebellion: A Tour of Toronto and Nearby Places (Red Robin Press, 1987, 1993). Its scope focuses on plaques, monuments and notable sites that deal with the struggle for social justice and beyond. Inevitably the aim of being definitive proved elusive, since the world of plaques, monuments and historic sites is constantly changing as a result of research, growing awareness and greater social commitment.

        Regrettably, many deserving sites related to my theme have been ignored by the Establishment. A classic long-standing case is the still-unfulfilled official recommendation of Toronto Heritage (Toronto Historical Board, 10 September 1992) to unveil a plaque to Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews near the site of their execution, 12 April 1838, at King Street East and Toronto Street. In a clear instance of judicial murder, both were selected to be hanged under the pressure of a vengeful Family Compact for their participation in the Rebellion of 1837. Close to 170 years have gone by without due civic recognition of their contribution to our democratic heritage. Public concern to honour the two Canadian patriots has grown over the years, which has brought firm support from the current Mayor David Miller in a personal letter to myself, 11 March 2004.

        I am confident this work will continue and others will be stimulated to honour and discover their past in plaques, monuments and sites of their own. As to errors, omissions and choice of entries, they are my responsibility. All photos are by myself, except when credited.

    Mark Frank
17  December 2006