Man in his 90's donates War of 1812 artifact to Stratford museum

CTV News

2 days ago

Gorden Willder holds the ammunition pouch believed to be from the War of 1812. (CTV News/Ashley Bacon)
An ammunition holder believed to be from the 1700s has a new home at the Stratford Perth Museum after a man says he found it more than eight decades ago.
Gordon Willder was only 15-years-old in 1945, when he and his grandfather began renovating their home on Cobourg street in Stratford.
'That was a long time ago, and I've kept it ever since,' said Willder, referring to what the pair found that day.
When an interior wall came down, it unearthed a treasure.
'Out popped this ammunition pouch and it was buried in sawdust, which was installation in those days,' said Willder, who is now 95-years-old.
Gorden Willder
Gorden Willder holds the ammunition pouch believed to be from the War of 1812. (CTV News/Ashley Bacon)
For the last 80 years, the ammunition belt has been carefully kept at the Willder home, according to Willder's daughter Debora Reid.
'It was just part of the decoration. Mom and dad decorated their house so lovely, and it was just part of it,' said Reid. 'I never really thought much of it.'
Willder believes after all these years, it's time to pass it on.
'I didn't want money for it. I just wanted to give it to verify the history of it and that's hopefully what's happening here in this museum,' Willder said.
He is now donating the artifact to the Stratford Perth Museum.
'This wonderful item that came to the museum on Monday is a cartridge holder or an ammo pouch that contained shot and balls,' explained. Kelly McIntosh, general manager at the museum.
'Our collections manager has dated it back to not only the War of 1812 but earlier to the 1700s.'
The belt is believed to have been used in the War of 1812 and with the local militia before it somehow ended up in a wall.
'What we can determine is that whoever had this at the house, at that time in 1945 - which was 146 Cobourg Street, that they probably brought it here,' said McIntosh.
Gorden Willder
Gorden Willder holds the ammunition pouch believed to be from the War of 1812. (CTV News/Ashley Bacon)
Bringing with it a lifetime of memories and history to pass along.
'I'm glad the museum here has verified that, and I'm happy about it. I can sleep better now,' added Willder.
Museum staff said they are grateful for the donation.
'It's probably one of the artifacts in the best shape that we have dating back that early. And it's great because we already have an exhibit about this history, and we'll be able to tell it's story,' said McIntosh.
After being a treasured family heirloom for so long, it will be another few weeks before the public can view it on display at the Stratford Perth Museum.