 Norfolk’s
Mace Looking good at 250
April
1,2004 marks the 250th anniversary of the presentation
of the Mace to what was then the Borough of Norfolk. To promote
awareness of our City's history, the Honorable Paul D. Fraim
and members of City Council requested the Mace and its connection
to the city be recognized and celebrated.
The
City of Norfolk invites you to join us in honoring the anniversary
of the Mace and promoting awareness of Norfolk's distinguished
and valiant history.
Timeline
April
1, 1754 - The Mace is presented to the Norfolk Common Council
by Royal Lt. Governor Robert Dinwiddie.
January
1, 1776 - Norfolk burned on New Year's Day, the Mace lay safely
buried at Kemps Landing for its protection.
1790
- The Mace was returned to Norfolk's Clerk of Court.
May
1862 - When Union forces occupied Norfolk, Mayor William Lamb
hid the Mace under a hearth in his home at 420 Bute Street. Union
troops occupied the home, but the Mace was never discovered.
1881
through1885 - It was kept at the Exchange Bank of Norfolk.
The
bank foreclosed and the Mace disappeared.
1894
- Police Chief C. Iredell discovered the Mace among litter in
the Norfolk Police station.The Mace was given to the Norfolk
National Bank for safekeeping. It was later put on display.
February
16, 1989 - City Clerk Breck Daughtrey, escorted by armed police
officers, delivered the Mace to the Chrysler Museum of Art where
it remains on public display.
Today
- The Mace, a colonial-era symbol of authority bestowed by English
royalty, is a precious reminder of and witness to much of Norfolk's
nearly 400 year history.
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