Status of the Cannons
The first cannon to be found on the Arch Cape beach was on display in
Arch Cape from 1898 to 1989. In 1989 it was moved from Arch Cape. At
that time the Clatsop County Historical Society directory John Cooper
stated that he would guarantee the return of the cannon to the
community "at such time as the community of Arch Cape has a suitable,
secure, and accessible public building, it is the intent of the Clatsop
County Historical Society to place these items again in the area where
they washed ashore".
A second cannon was found on the Arch Cape beach Saturday, February 16,
2008.
A third cannon was found in the same location on Monday, February 18,
2008.
On Tuesday, February 19, 2008 the cannons were moved to Nehalem Bay
State Park. The intent is that they will undergo restoration which is
expected to take more than a year.
A public viewing of the cannons was held at Nehalem Bay State Park on
Tuesday, February 26, 2008.
From a story by Joseph B. Frazier of the Associated Press published
March 3 we learn that the cannons are the property of the Navy. Here
are a couple links to the story:
Story
in Navy Times
Story
on OPB
As reported in the Cannon Beach Gazette on March 6, 2008, a committee
of regional and local experts is being formed to consider the options
for future display of the cannons. The contact person for this
committee is Chris Havel, with the Oregon Parks Department.
Full Story