A wooden canteen from the War of 1812 has disappeared from the Forbush Memorial Library. The painted militia cheese box canteen features 13 stars above a displayed eagle on a blue ground. While it is unlikely that it still bears its original inventory tag, according to curator Kristine E. Haney, it would have been difficult to remove the tag without leaving a “footprint” or causing the paint to bleed. The tag measured ½ by ¼ inches.
The canteen was officially listed as missing in 2004 after an exhaustive inventory, but could have left the library at an earlier date. It may have circulated on the market as early as 1977, 1991 or 2004‰5, most likely in Massachusetts, Maine or New Hampshire. However, it may still be in private hands and, if, so, offered for sale at some point in one of those states.
Anyone having seen the canteen or who can offer any information to assist in recovering it is asked to contact Police Chief Sam Albert of the Westminster Police Department, 7 South Street, Westminster MA 01473; 978-874-2900, extension 222, or email salbert@Westminster-ma.gov.
