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Forget Me Not LbNA #30904 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:May 14, 2007
Location:
City:Kitchener-Waterloo
County:Ontario, CAN
State:Ontario, Canada
Boxes:1
Planted by:the Sehl gang
Found by: Trail Walkers
Last found:Jul 18, 2009
Status:FFFFFFFFFFaFaa
Last edited:May 14, 2007
Just as you enter Waterloo from Kitchener on this main street, there's a very retro vertical welcome sign. (I've lived here my whole life & only notice it today!) You are infront of the former site of the Beckett School & there is a travel business across the street with metal iron palm trees.

There's an amazing building, that 'even the locals' should stop to appreciate. Although, over the decades, I predict that this is the most popular place for wedding photos. Many couples have chosen this site with its manicured grounds & stunning backdrop.

It was "the head office of the Mutual Life Assurance CO. of Canada, opened in 1912. Designed by prominent Toronto architect Frank Darling, the impressive structure was built on 6.79 acres of land purchased in 1909.

Incorporated in December, 1868, as the Ontario Mutual Life Assurance Company, the firm obtained a Dominion Charter in 1878. The company has operated under its present name since 1900. Among the earliest company officials were Isaac Bowman, M.P. and Moses Springer, M.P.P

A building on the north side served as the first headquarters of the company. The 1912 building is constructed with narrow light-brown and yellow Roman brick, paneled gray stone quoins, carved stone pediments, and stone carving in a floral and leaf pattern below the cornice. Terra cotta, made in England, was imported for decorative parts of the facade. Two pairs of Ionic columns frame the front entrance and an imposing balustrade surrounds the roof.

The south and east facades are recognized for this designation. It was designated Nov. 19, 1979."

So enter through the wrough iron gates onto the honeycomb stones, toward the 1912 plaque. Take the sidewalk to your right & it zig-zags, hugging the building. Pass 6 spruce the height of the building to the end of the front face where there are 13 white steps. Between the steps & the main street are 4 park benches arranged in a triangular formation. There are 3 spruce & the thinnest one has what you seek about 6' off the ground at the trunk.

Hint: for great effect, stamp 5 times & use yellow pencil

This is a weekend site only as these grounds are filled with employees during the week.