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DAVIDSON - Fifteen years ago, a group of local residents decided Davidson needed a landmark to set it apart from other towns and villages along Highway 11. "We were in the midway community," recalled Sandra Zoerb, then a member of the social committee of the Mid-Lakes Community Coalition. "But we needed to get people to stop and see who we were." In 1996 their dream was realized in the form of a giant coffee pot, seven metres high, placed outside town near the highway as a means of symbolizing Davidson's friendliness and hospitality. Now the coffee pot is featured on a new "Roadside Attractions" series of stamps from Canada Post, depicting oversized landmarks from across the country. The stamp shows an artist's rendition of the coffee pot and the cup added beside it in 1998, with a couple posing beside. The new stamp was introduced at a special ceremony in the auditorium of Davidson Town Hall on July 7. Canada Post local area superintendent Kent Rogers was on hand to unveil the design, aided by Austin Eade of Craik, who designed the coffee pot, and Kelly Thorson of Holdfast, who painted the original artwork reproduced on it. "Today I feel like a parent watching a graduate receiving an award on convocation day," said Zoerb. "The coffee pot has become known worldwide," said Mayor Mary Jane Morrison to an audience of about 100 people. "We are delighted, and we are proud of it." MLA Greg Brkich also addressed the crowd, bringing greetings from Premier Brad Wall. "A picture of this will be transported all over the world on the stamp," he remarked. "I know that everybody involved deserves a great thank-you." Rogers said that roadside attractions like the coffee pot "capture the spirit of small-town Canada." "We at Canada Post felt it fitting to recognize this impressive structure," he said. "Through stamps, we are able to showcase Canada to the world." Employees of Davidson's post office - Vonné Johnson, Jackie Johnson and postmistress Kathy Stagman - were there, selling stamp sets and first-day covers at the back. Jackie Johnson said the stamps, available since July 5, were selling well locally, but expected sales would increase following the ceremony. During his address, Rogers referred to the Davidson branch as "one of the best, well-run post offices I've ever seen." Austin Eade, who designed the coffee pot, recalled the controversy that arose when it was first proposed. Some deemed the landmark a waste of money and a pointless expense. "Anytime anything new comes along, it is always controversial," he said. "This is proof, I guess, that a few people can make a difference." Artist Kelly Thorson said the experience was pretty exciting for her. She added she hadn't realized how much coverage the coffee pot had received. Tables were set up at the back of the auditorium with pictures, news clippings and other memorabilia. Thorson's original paintings were on display, as was a small, early model of the coffee pot. Karen Reich and Lana Schmiedge opened the program by leading the audience in "O Canada." Afterwards, cake, coffee and ice cream were served. The large crowd forced organizers to set up extra chairs. Town councillor Jason Shaw also announced a restoration project for the landmark on Wednesday. The paint has deteriorated after 15 years of weathering, and there is also some rusting within the coffee pot itself. Shaw said the cost of restoration was not finalized, but was expected to be at least $15,000. He added that the town would be consulting with Thorson, Eade and Don Wilkins - who built the coffee cup, added later - during the restoration project. The town council will contribute $5,000 towards the restoration, with the remainder to be collected through fundraising and donations. To kick off the fundraising, first-day covers signed by Thorson and Eade were sold at the social on Wednesday afternoon. The leaderonline is a division of The Davidson Leader, Davidson, Saskatchewan, Canada. |
by Joel van der Veen