The Beaverton and Thorah Cenotaph was unveiled on June 10, 1924 and dedicated in memory of the fallen men in the Boer War and the First World War. It featured a white stone statue of a First World War soldier on top of a black marble shaft. The four white pillars at each corner had large electric glass bulbs that were lit at nighttime.
The Committee of Arrangements composed of Reeve D.W. Wallis of Beaverton, Reeve John Ross of Thorah, Councillor Charles Dukelow of Thorah, Mrs. D.W. Wallis, Mrs. F. Talbot and Mr. Peter McMillan are to be congratulated on the inception of the undertaking in 1922, to the final unveiling and dedication.
Children of the schools and choir took part in the ceremonies. Brigadier-General J.A. Gunn, C.M.G, D.S,O., officiated and had a distinguished military career. Mrs. (Col.) Sam Sharpe gave an address reviewing the events preceding going overseas of the units from the County and their service abroad. She referred to the historic event of the departure of the 116th Battalion from Beaverton under the command of her late husband Col. Sharpe, M.P.
In 2010, Mrs. Dorothy MacPherson directed her Citizenship Award be used towards the restoration of the cenotaph. An Adhoc Committee was established of representatives from Beaverton, Thorah, Eldon Historical Society, Beaverton Horticultural Society, Beaverton Special Events, Beaverton Legion, Beaverton Lions Club and the Township of Brock. The committee raised money and received funding from the Department of Veteran Affairs.
The monument was cleaned and repaired, the base was repaired and the white pillars were replaced with four flour urns. Benches were purchased and a 24 foot flagpole installed. The walkway was widened to accommodate wheelchairs.
A re-dedication ceremony was held and attended by descendants of those named on the cenotaph. The Uxbridge Pipe Band performed and included The Maple Leaf Forever, written by Alexander Muir, who taught at Beaverton. A trumpeter played the Last Post from the balcony of the Hamilton House Hotel. The ceremony was recorded on video as were eight interviews with Veterans at the Legion and Lakeview Manor. A reception followed at the Legion with displays of each person listed on the cenotaph.
