The Begging Bear, The Cannon, and The Gryphon
Known collectively as the “Stationary Crew,” The Cannon, The Begging Bear, and The Gryphon statue are all very treasured members of the University of Guelph family. If you’re new to the Guelph community, you may not be familiar with the members of our immobile idol collection.
Being cemented in place doesn’t leave many options for the Stationary Crew to interact with Gryphons; @OldJeremiah joined Twitter to reach the “great Gryphon diaspora,” he told The Ontarion. Each of these figures have active Twitter accounts that allow them to interact with each other and their fellow Gryphons on campus.
In fact, in 2016 the University ran a course on social media and inanimate objects that encouraged students to learn as much as they possibly could about the history, traditions, and people behind these figures and their social media presence.
To introduce you to these friendly faces, The Ontarion had a chance to ask each of these monuments a few questions.
The Begging Bear
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History: Carl Skelton, a prominent sculptor known for creating iconic statues, created the Canadiana Begging Bear in the summer of 1997. The Bear was then purchased by the Art Gallery of Guelph and installed in front of the building. The Begging Bear has since become a beloved member of the Guelph community. On this point, @GuelphBeggingBear said: “I think that is a combination of the way Carl designed me and the attitude of the people of Guelph. I’m a friendly-looking bear asking for a hand (or paw). So, I’m not intimidating or unapproachable as some people perceive art.”
Location: Art Gallery of Guelph
Traditions: Guelphites have taken to dressing the bear in various outfits to promote events, raise awareness about important issues, and even just for fun! According to the Stationary Crew’s website, the origins of this tradition are unknown to this day.
Favourite food: Salmon. “I’m trying to start the rumour that it’s lucky to feed me salmon before an exam, or job interview, or really any time you’re just in the neighbourhood, but sadly, that isn’t taking very well,” @GuelphBeggingBear said about the Stationary Crew traditions.
Favourite outfit: Canada
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The Cannon, also known as Old Jeremiah
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History: According to the website, the tradition of The Cannon actually started with students moving the antique around campus. Once The Cannon was cemented in Branion Plaza in 1973, this became much more difficult, and students took to painting The Cannon instead. The Cannon explained to The Ontarion that he used to be in front of Johnston Hall until the University Centre was built. “The reason for the move is significant,” said @OldJeremiah via email correspondence. “It has been my tradition to point towards the President of the University. When he moved, I moved.”
Location: Branion Plaza
Traditions: Painting after dark. “I think of myself as a canvas for the the hopes and concerns of the campus. I’m painted to celebrate, to announce, to warn, to excite, to mourn, to educate, and to do many other things. I am privileged to reflect the campus. Painting me is to be part of a long and honourable tradition. It’s a ritual, a rite of passage, and perhaps a wee bit subversive,” @OldJeremiah told The Ontarion via email correspondence.
Favourite food : Gunpowder
Favourite outfit : “Do parents have a favourite child?”
The Gryphon
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History: The Gryphon statue, which was unveiled as part of the University of Guelph’s 50th anniversary celebrations, cost over $300,000 and was designed by two faculty members and two School of Fine Arts and Music (SoFAM) graduates. Resting on a book, the Gryphon statue represents knowledge, pride, and strength.
Location : Corner of Stone Rd. and Gordon St.
Traditions : Rub his beak for luck before an exam
Favourite food : The tears of other sports teams
Favourite outfit: Red, black, and gold
The Gryphon statue was unavailable for comment at the time of publishing.
Twitter handles:
Photo by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion.