On the way to class or enjoying a leisurely walk through the Tarleton State University campus students are treated to the various landmarks accumulated over the years. This year marks the third anniversary of the rejuvenated wheels on the World War I Howitzer cannon that has been stationed in front of the E.J. Howell building for over 80 years. The process utilized while restoring the wheels and numerous spokes is identical to the method applied during the inception period of the cannon back in the 1930’s.

“After the years of wear and tear you could really see the need for repairs,” said building maintenance supervisor Jerry Jordan, “but I like how it shows the quality of work that the carpenter shop produces on a daily basis.”

The process essentially mandates a blacksmith approach, by completely removing the metal rim on the outside of the wheel and ultimately disassembling the wheel in its entirety. After the tedious endeavor of spoke insertion, re-application of the metal rim and the final step of repainting the relic signify completion. In light of the successful theft and jettison of the cannon in the Bosque River in 1928 by the North Texas Agricultural College, replacement of the spokes was due.

“After all the hard work done by hand, and getting the perfect color and detail in the paint shop, I’m very grateful for the work done while rebuilding the cannon wheels,” Jordan said.