Indian Lake High School Industrial Arts students have helped create a new historic centerpiece for the Kenton community, combining skilled craftsmanship with hands-on learning and local pride.
Welding and shop students at ILHS recently completed construction of a historic cannon as part of a project organized by Indian Lake Government teacher Ed Rogers and overseen by Shop and Welding teacher David Snapp. Several seniors dedicated months of work to the project, including Harley Lhotak, Marvin McIntire, Bryce Mohler, and Avery Pequignot.
After careful planning, design, and fabrication that began at the start of the school year, the students recently finished the cannon and transported it to its permanent home in Kenton.
Rogers praised both the students and the Industrial Arts program, emphasizing the importance of real-world learning opportunities. He noted that programs like shop and welding not only foster personal growth but also allow students to give back to their communities, calling Indian Lake fortunate to offer such hands-on experiences.
The project was made possible through a partnership between the Armory Foundation and Quest Federal Credit Union, which shared the nearly $7,000 cost of the cannon barrel and wooden wheels. With those pieces secured, ILHS shop and welding students designed and built the wooden carriage, fabricated the metal brackets, and assembled the finished cannon—an 1841 Napoleon six-pounder.
The M1841 six-pounder field gun was used by the U.S. Army beginning in 1841, seeing service from the Mexican-American War through the Civil War. The completed cannon will serve as both a historical display and a ceremonial piece.
The Armory Foundation and Quest Federal Credit Union collaborated on the project to honor John Jester and Frank Bondi, two Hardin County residents remembered for their dedication to improving the community. The cannon will also be fired on Memorial Day and used to recognize and honor local veterans.
The cannon will be displayed outside the Hardin County Armory in Kenton, where the public is invited to view it. The Armory Foundation expressed its appreciation to the students for their hard work, craftsmanship, and commitment to preserving local history.
