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Posted by Editor on 2nd October 2009 at 04:21 PM SalfordOnline's Totem Pole Campaign - (Part 1)
Words: Tony Flynn
Filmed and Edited: Tony Thornborough
SalfordOnline are instigating a campaign to raise awareness of the cultural significance of the Salford Totem Pole. Hidden away in an Industrial Unit in Salford is a fascinating piece of Salford's history. A Columbian Pine, Totem Pole standing nine metres in height carved by Douglas Cranmer of the First Nation tribe of Canadian Indians, the Kwakiutl.
The Totem Pole depicts animals and figures important to the tribes traditions, the eagle represents mastery of the sky, the whale ruler of the sea's, a raven the messenger, at the base is the Chief holding coins which represent wealth and power.
Robert Stoker, Chairman of Manchester Liners commisioned the carving of the Totem Pole in 1969 as a reminder of the areas trade links with the Canadian Communities. It stood outside the companys offices on Trafford Road, Manchester Liners House later Furness House before being taken down in 2005 due to deterioation and placed in storage.
Councillor Steve Coen of the Irwell Riverside Ward became intrigued into what had happened to the Totem Pole and managed to track it down to a warehouse in Ipswich, from there it was taken back to Salford, where it now lies sadly in urgent need of restoration.
Along with Joe Martin the City's Conservation Officer and Pauline Lloyd a City Tour Guide, they hope that the Totem Pole can be fully restored to it's former glory.
Plans are afoot for the Totem Pole to be re-erected in The Salford Quays area with the new Media City building being the ideal location for this important piece of our City's heritage.
Details of SalfordOnline's campaign will follow shortly.
Comment by Guest 15th April 2010
I was a shipping clerk typist with Manchester Liners (6th Floor)1969 and I remember the Totem Pole being un-veiled for the first time. The Pole should be put back in it's original place (if possible) - it was a wonderful piece of work and I would hope to be there when it is put back). |
Comment by Guest 25th February 2010
Without Joe Martin we certainly would not of got this far,he started the Journey to restore this and in his memory we will continue.
Cllr Stephen Coen |
Comment by Editor ( member ) 13th October 2009
Many thanks to all who have shown support for Tony, may I now ask that comments return to the subject of this article which I know is something Tony feels very passionate about. |
Comment by Graham Byrne ( member ) 12th October 2009
It does say a lot about these people that they will criticise the positive community work that Tony is doing simply because they have other agendas and also that they feel incapable(embarrassed ?) about revealing their identities. |
Comment by Guest 12th October 2009
I have only been aware of this site for a few weeks, but I find it very sad that there seems to be some sort of vendetta against Tony Thornborough. I for one have known Tony and his Wife Pat for over twenty five years ( who knows where the time goes )and I have found him to be a true friend. Don't let the faceless ones put you off Tony, you have more to offer than them. Peter Flynn. |
Comment by paulburbery ( member ) 11th October 2009
Who ever is calling Tony sad obviously doesn't know him. I'm proud to be his friend, his enthusiasm for and loyalty to Salford is unmatched. Unlike you Pal! I'm not afraid to leave my name. Paul Burbery |
Comment by Guest 11th October 2009
give tony thornborough a break. he does loads of work. lots of it for free. he hasn't to my knowledge got a degree in media. he is learning on the job. maybe that smart alec wants to do some work. is your stuff any better. leave your name and address on here and i'll come round with a video camera. come on then steven speilberg, put your talent where your big mouth is. |
Comment by Tony Thornborough ( member ) 11th October 2009
Oh! and by the way I'm a pretty happy person too. I rarely get sad. |
Comment by Tony Thornborough ( member ) 11th October 2009
Once again I seem to have come under attack from the vermin who never seems to get the point of what community spirit is all about. I have a good idea who the nameless moron is though and I know why he is doing it too. It's a good job my skin is thicker than this idiots head.
Thanks to the good folk who have defended me yet again, I really appreciate it. |
Comment by Guest 11th October 2009
Hey sicko, if you are going to complain about Tony, you should at least have the balls to leave your name and address. Viv Harold, Sale (ex Clifton) |
Comment by Guest 11th October 2009
Couldn't agree more. DP from Swinton |
Comment by Guest 11th October 2009
Hey saddow, why don't you get a life, only a very jealous and bitter person could make a comment like that about anybody who volunteers their time and effort. You should look at the work Tony Thornborough has done on this site to see how much he enjoys his work and how dedicated he must be to keep posting stuff dispite a twisted backbiting sicko like you leaving stupid remarks. |
Comment by Guest 11th October 2009
Tony Thornborough should try and find something he is good at. It is not this. He is a sad individual isn't he? |
Comment by Guest 8th October 2009
You will find this video and two more videos about the Totem Pole Campaign on "SALFORD NEWS" below "LATEST COMMENTS" on the left hand side of this page. Hope that keeps. Tricia. |
Comment by Guest 8th October 2009
I am loosing track of the thread, when you click on latest news it goes nowhere. Can't you keep all the Totem Pole videos on one page together in one place? |
Comment by Editor ( member ) 6th October 2009
EDITOR'S NOTE: Comments have been re-opened. Thanks for your patience. |
Comment by Guest 5th October 2009
As a news update,several detailed pictures have gone to a relative of Doug Cramner (who carved the Totem Pole), I shall be speaking to them tonight to get initial feedback, and next steps.
Regards
(Cllr)Steve Coen |
Comment by Guest 5th October 2009
I am so chuffed that the totem pole is being restored and hope that it is placed within the old docks. I remember the totem pole being erected and I used to see it every day as I visited the Custom House in the Manchester Liners building; I was a shipping clerk at the time. I always felt it a bit of a shame that it was erected where it was as it was not visible to many people and I think that a carving of this quality and size should be seen, close up, by as many people as possible. I am excited about it being returned to its original state and look forward to seeing it in a prominent position where it can be admired by all.
Very well done to all concerned especially my brother Joe and Steve Coen for their important initial work and to Tony Flynn and Tony Thornborough for publicising the campaign.
Pete Martin
www.hankypark.co.uk |
Comment by Guest 5th October 2009
How come, every time Salford has something to be proud of they either vandalise it,or hide it away. Good on you again Tony for bringing this to light, also ( I never thought that I would ever say this) well done Mr Councillor Coen for your part in all of this. May the pole bring good luck to all. Jack Casey. |
Comment by Guest 5th October 2009
Where is it kept? |
Comment by Guest 5th October 2009
This should be put up in the Lowry |
Comment by Guest 5th October 2009
From what I have seen on the Video ,it is an incredible piece of wood, over 30' feet long ,over 2 tons in weight,it is a mistake to trivualise this or it's significance to Salford
Some people want to know the price of everything and the value of nothing. |
Comment by Guest 4th October 2009
I am sorry, but I don't see the relevance of a piece of wood in these trying times!! |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
The council obviously don't want it otherwise it wouldn't be in storage. Stick it up outside Swinton town hall. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
I like SSTOP, quite a few quite creative people here!
Regards
(Cllr) Steve Coen |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
We could expand this to car stickers/T-Shirts? Might be a good way of gaining funds. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
Why not ask the schoolkids in Salford, they are good at coming up with catchy slogans and it would help give them an insight into Salfords history.Just a thought. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
That SSTOP slogan is quite good really, best of luck with your campaign and lets hope that we see the totem pole gracing Salford's skyline once again. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
P.O.S.H.= Preserve Our Salford Heritage. David Beckham. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
Why aren't the Council putting there hands in their pockets?, or more suitably Peel Holdings, they seem to own all the land that the Quays is on?. Shame them into helping out this fine cause. Salford Lad. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
Why not inside The Lowry?, that way all the visitors there will be able to see it, also it will be preserved from the elements and possible vandalism. Mick Scahill, Weaste. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
P.O.S.T. = Preserve Our Salford Totem Pole. Eric Blair. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
S.S.T.O.P!. = Save Salfords Totem Pole?. Do I win. Ed Hammell. |
Comment by Guest 3rd October 2009
Outside The Lowry would be ideal, there is a big space in front of it, why not contact them?. |
Comment by Tony Thornborough ( member ) 3rd October 2009
The campaign has begun as from now. However we are looking for a name for it. So if you can help leave your suggestions here Please. The name should have the words Salford and totem in it obviously and a word to suggest we want it returned or raised. So get them thinking caps on and we will see if we can come up with a prize for the best one. |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
I didnt know about this. good work salfordonline. ex salford lad . now in Hulme also called tony |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
Just seen the piece on the totem pole, I remember it being put up outside the Liners Office and often wondered where it had gone, please don't leave it in a lock up in Salford, surely the quays should be it's final resting place. |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
How do we join the campaign?. |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
Probably the best video you have done yet, informative, well filmed, and done with a sense that you really care about the subject. Again another example of Salfordonline keeping us informed about Salford's heritage, I really hope that that your campaign takes hold and that the council or local busines's help in keeping the totem pole in Salford, which is where it belongs. |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
I am sure this will all come together,sooner rather than later.
Regards
(Cllr) Stephen Coen |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
Tony and Tony another job well done!. Phil Hargreaves. |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
Well done to SalfordOnline for bringing this to our attention, I remember the totem pole and there was some attempt to site it on the quays, a while ago. It's good that you have brought this issue issue back into the spotlight otherwise it could have been forgotten about. Keep Salfords Heritage Alive! |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
I remember when the Totem Pole arrived.I lived at Glen street,the first street you came to going along Trafford road from the bridge.It always made me feel proud to think we had something so special and all the way from Canada.I hadn't actually realised that it had been commissioned,I thought it was a gift from Canada,to denote the trading goodwill with Salford.The Totem is an important peice of Canadian tribal art.The council may as well slap the Kwakiutl people in the face,and Salford's face too.It belongs to us,I think.For goodness sake,stop dithering about and get it restored and either in the Lowry centre or on the Quays in some sort of protective cage.Wanda |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
We remember the totem pole, It should be put on the Quays, it's part of our heritage. Well done to councillor Steve Coen for tracking it down. ..Bungahigh |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
Well done, Councillor Steve Coen for tracking it down. I would like to see it fully restored, and brightly painted too. Tricia PVM |
Comment by Guest 2nd October 2009
I no longer live in Salford so I can't be much help, but wish you success in your campaine
Good wishes - Jeff Goss - Get the vandals off the council |
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