Since You Asked: What of Civil War cannon at City Hall?

Q: Whatever happened to the old Civil War cannon that sat in front of City Hall in Marysville? Why did they replace it? And what happened to the wheels?

A: The Civil War-era cannon was donated for scrap metal in the 1940s to support the American effort during World War II, according to Marysville City Councilman Dale Whitmore.

"It's a tragedy that piece of history was lost, but there was a feeling at the time that it was needed for the war," Whitmore explained.

Also, the Civil War cannon was never directly in front of City Hall, but was across the street in the old Cortez Square, which is now the site of the Yuba County courthouse, according to Dave Lamon, director of city services.

Whitmore said the courthouse was built in the early 1960s.

The cannon was replaced in the late 1940s when Camp Beale donated the 75-mm World War I-era cannon that presently sits outside the city government's headquarters.

"It was a very commonly used cannon during the First World War," Whitmore said. "I believe it was French-made and used by the Americans. They obviously have much bigger cannon they use now."

The cannon's wooden wheels essentially rotted away from old age. They were removed nearly two years ago and placed in storage, Lamon said.

Whitmore is the councilman charged with refurbishing the city cannon.

"It's something we're going to do, but the council has had other matters that have taken priority," Whitmore explained.

He said there is no timetable for replacing the wheels.

Since You Asked is published on Mondays. Send questions to reporter Rob Parsons at the Appeal-Democrat, 1530 Ellis Lake Drive, Marysville, CA 95901, email him at rparsons@ appealdemocrat.com or call 749-4785.