Charlottetown in Queens County, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)

Big Donald

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

1. Big Donald Marker

Inscription.
This bell was affectionately known as “Big Donald” honouring Fire Chief Donald MacKinnon 1875-1879.

Cast in 1875 by William Blake & Co., formerly H.W. Hooper & Co., Boston, Mass.
Cracked and recast in 1877
Cracked and recast in 1884

Moved from the City Market Building in 1888 to the tower in City Hall.
Removed from tower to present location July 1966.

City Council 1966
J. Arthur Gormley • Louis D. Johnston • M. Dorothy Corrigan • Elmer M. MacRae • Frank J. Zakem • John H. Morris • John P.Nicholson • Ivan J. Doherty • Arthur L. Wright • Douglas A.C. MacDonald
Unveiled by His Worship Walter J. Cox Natal Day, August 7, 1966, 111 years to the date of the first election for Mayor and councilors in the city of Charlottetown.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is August 7, 1855.

Location. 46° 14.109′ N, 63° 7.771′ W. Marker is in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Queens County. Marker is on Kent Street just south of Queen Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker and subject bell are located beside the sidewalk on the southeast side of Charlottetown City Hall, just to the left of the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 199 Queen Street, Charlottetown PE C1A 4B7, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. Charlottetown City Hall (a few steps from this marker); Charlottetown (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadian National Hotels (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Apothecaries Hall (about 120 meters away); A Dutiful Citizen / Un citoyen consciencieux (about 120 meters away); Confederation Centre of the Arts (about 150 meters away); Prince Edward Island War Memorial (about 240 meters away); A Neoclassical Design / Un style néoclassique (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottetown.

Also see . . . Big Donald. City webpage:
When the fire bell arrived, it was a great boon to the city and was first located in the old market building. When this bell cracked in 1877 it was returned to Boston to be recast. In order to receive some compensation for the cost of recasting, the foundry owners recast it somewhat smaller than the original. The bell was returned and put back in place, and at some point cracked again. Then, when it was rung to sound an alarm on the morning of February 20, 1884, it fell to pieces. It was sent away and recast a second time and again replaced in the old Market building. It was moved to the City Hall tower in 1888. (Submitted on May 16, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

2. "Big Donald" & Marker

Charlottetown City Hall (<i>southeast elevation from Kent Street</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 16, 2019

3. Charlottetown City Hall (southeast elevation from Kent Street)

("Big Donald" visible on left)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.