One of the larger and more unusual artifacts donated to the Society for the Preservation of Canada’s Nuclear Heritage Inc. (SCNHI) is a large coffee table. The glass-topped, oval-shaped table, which measures just over a 1.5 m in length, was assembled in the AECL workshops. It was presented to Les Haywood, a key figure in several major AECL projects, as a retirement gift in December, 1974, “In recognition of his contribution to Canada’s nuclear program”. Imbedded into the wood surface are a 20 cm by 25 cm photo-metal etching featuring the profile of the heavy-water plants at Bruce and four smaller circular photo-metal plaques, each featuring a profile of five of the twenty Canadian and off-shore reactors that were important parts of the Canadian nuclear program. These reactors ranged from the research reactors at CRNL, through to the prototype and foreign reactors such as NPD, Douglas Point and KANUPP and finally to the large generating stations then under construction at Bruce B and Darlington. The table continued to be displayed and used within the Haywood family after Les’s retirement and was donated to the Society by Les Haywood’s daughter, Linda McLaren of Pembroke in 2018.
A bonus artifact also came with the table. It was a 20 cm by 30 cm “producer’s certificate” which features the photographs, signatures, construction roles, and “Very Best Wishes” of the four CRNL personnel involved with the production of the artifact: Alistair Middleton, who was responsible for the design and illustrations; Edward Sack, who did the carpentry; Douglas Moore, who did the photo-engravings; and Ernest Murdock, who did the furniture finishing.
The Society welcomes donations of all types of artifacts. To donate contact Jim Ungrin at ungrinjr@gmail.com or Michael Stephens at mestephens9210@outlook.com for pick-up.
