Berrisfield in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

“Bobby” Kerr 1882-1963

Photographed By Tim Boyd, May 16, 2023

1. “Bobby” Kerr 1882-1963 Marker

Inscription.
Born in Ireland, Kerr came to Canada in 1887 with his parents who settled in Hamilton two years later. He earned civic recognition at the 1902 Coronation Games where he won sprint and middle distance races. His exceptionally quick start placed him in the forefront of Canadian sprinters and in 1907 he won some 40 events. His greatest feats, however, were accomplished in 1908 when he wont the 100 and 200 yards at the British Championships and gave Canada a gold medal with a memorable victory in the 200-meter event at the Olympic Games in London. He remained active in international competition for 25 years serving as caption of the Olympic Track team (1928) and manager of the track and field division (1932).

Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 43° 13.045′ N, 79° 50.446′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in Berrisfield. Marker is at the intersection of Palmer Road and Reno Avenue, on the left when traveling south on Palmer Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton ON L8T 3E6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the

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crow flies. The Right Honourable Vincent Massey (approx. one kilometer away); Peace Memorial School/ Peace Memorial Park (approx. 1.9 kilometers away); Joseph Dalton Armes Lookout Point (approx. 2 kilometers away); John William Kerr (approx. 2.2 kilometers away); Nora Frances Henderson 1897-1949 (approx. 2.5 kilometers away); Albion Mills (approx. 2.5 kilometers away); Albion Falls (approx. 2.5 kilometers away); Native Trail Networks (approx. 2.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . . ‘One Great Sporting Maple Leaf’: Bobby Kerr and the Debut of a Canadian Symbol.

The birth of the maple leaf logo’s legitimization in both national and international context points to a role played by the Canadian Olympic Committee, the embryo saga of which was superimposed on the initiatives of the nation’s first Olympic team, the 1908 aggregation of male athletes that competed in the London Games of 1908. And, the single individual who most represented, indeed showcased the “Canadian symbol-to-be,” was Robert “Bobby” Kerr, the sole gold medallist of those 37 individuals composing the Canadian Stadium Team at London in 1908.

(Submitted on May 20, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Photographed By Tim Boyd, May 16, 2023

2. “Bobby” Kerr 1882-1963 Marker

Photographed By Tim Boyd, May 16, 2023

3. “Bobby” Kerr 1882-1963 Marker

Robert “Bobby” Kerr with sprinting prizes ca 1908 image. Click for full size.

circa 1908

4. Robert “Bobby” Kerr with sprinting prizes ca 1908

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 20, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.