Beck's Bling

I noticed this oddity on my way to work today: Sir Adam Beck sporting bling!

The statue of Beck was erected in 1934 at the intersection of Queen & University. I have no idea who decked out Beck (Buck?) with the classic dollar sign chain, but it was visible enough to cause me to get off my streetcar a two stops early.

(Again, apologies for the crappy Palm photo - wife has the digital camera today. For a nice photo of the statue sans bling, try here.)

For those who don't know, here's the Wiki on Beck: "Sir Adam Beck, (June 20, 1857 – August 15, 1925) was a politician and hydro-electricity advocate who founded the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario."

Beck's name also graces the giant hydroelectric stations at Niagara Falls, as well as the gigantic Niagara Tunnel Boring Machine that is currently tunneling under the city of Niagara Falls. It's known as "Big Becky". And there's an interesting story that came out today about Beck's original "electric circus": a 1912 demonstration of electricity in farming.

But why the bling? It it a protest against rising hydro rates? Is he dressed up for the film festival? Pimpin'?

Dunno. But now, unfortunately, I have to get back to my own "boring machine."

Tags: electricity, power, statues, bling, toronto, adam beck, gorbould