Homer

Anon.

Homer, 1974

Woven cigarette packaging and string

Millhaven Institution, Bath, Ontario Canada

Homer is a playfully constructed dog made of Canadian cigarette boxes. The artisan possessed a good sense of volume and created the dog with a wide stance that supports its weight and lends it a sense of vitality. One cannot help but wonder if Canadian correctional institutions are more amenable to humor than are ours.

Millhaven Institution opened in 1971 and has an inmate capacity of 450.
It is surrounded by a high bob-wire fence surmounted by a watch tower with views to all
directions.  It has a dedicated unit to house its most violent and high risk inmates.  On July 10, 1972, fourteen inmates escaped by cutting through the bob-wire fence.  A manhunt involving more than 300 guards and Canadian soldiers ensued leading to the capture most of the escapees.  This event was captured in song by the  Canadian rock band “The Tragically Hip” in a song titled “38 Years Old.”