Indian Lake students build historic cannon for Kenton community
💥🧨 Cannon to be fired during Memorial Day observances
While many may remember back-in-the-day shop class projects like key hooks and ashtrays, Indian Lake High School Industrial Arts and Welding students have turned hands-on learning into a historic cannon for the Kenton community.
Laker students recently completed construction of an 1841 Napoleon six-pounder cannon through a project that blended skilled craftsmanship, local history and community service. The effort was organized by Indian Lake High School Government teacher Ed Rogers and overseen by Shop and Welding teacher David Snapp.
Several seniors devoted much of the school year to the project, including Harley Lhotak, Marvin McIntire, Bryce Mohler and Avery Pequignot. After roughly three months of design, fabrication and assembly, the students completed the cannon and transported it to Kenton for permanent display.
Rogers said the project demonstrates the value of real-world, hands-on education.
“Indian Lake is lucky to have real-world programs such as Mr. Snapp’s that allow community involvement and personal student growth,” Rogers said. “We need to bring hands-on programs like shop class back across the state and allow young people to help their communities. Indian Lake is fortunate to have these programs. What other school has made a cannon?”
The cannon and carriage weigh about 1,600 pounds, Rogers noted, adding, that transporting the artillery piece to Kenton on a cold winter day was a bit of a challenge.
According to Rogers, the Armory Foundation and Quest Federal Credit Union partnered to fund the project, splitting the cost of the cannon barrel and wooden wheels, an investment totaling nearly $7,000. He then enlisted experienced Indian Lake shop and welding students to design and build the wooden carriage, fabricate the metal brackets and complete final assembly.
The finished piece replicates the M1841 six-pounder field gun, a model used by the U.S. Army beginning in 1841 during the Mexican-American War and continuing through the Civil War.
The project was undertaken by the Armory Foundation and Quest Federal Credit Union to commemorate the lives of John Jester and Frank Bondi, two Hardin County residents remembered for their selfless service and lasting contributions to the community. In addition to serving as a historical display, the cannon will be fired during Memorial Day observances and used to honor local veterans.
The cannon will be displayed outside the Hardin County Armory, 128 N. Main St., Kenton, where it will stand as a new community landmark and a reminder of the role young people can play in preserving local history.
Members of the Armory Foundation expressed their appreciation to the students, offering a sincere thank-you for their craftsmanship, dedication and commitment.
