 Artisans, sculptors and companies that deal with such work were
contacted, and three chose to come to the meeting to present their
ideas and bid on the project.The three that expressed an interest
in the project were Manley Monuments in Lincoln, Michael Major from
Urbana, Ohio, and Gabrielle Harrison from Chicago.
Both Major and Harrison also offered the possibility that their
sculpting could be done locally to increase community awareness and
perhaps help garner funds for the project. Harrison went so far as
to offer to do it in a secured outdoor area such as the Logan County
Fairgrounds and work during events such as the fair to further
promote interest in the project.
All three gave their ideas on restoring the statue and the
various mediums available for such work. The possibilities presented
included white marble, yule Colorado marble, gray granite, limestone
and bronze, coated to appear like a stone structure.
There were also concerns expressed about the stability of the
upper portion of the column, as noted by Major and Harrison.
Coupled with several different possibilities for replacing or
restoring and adding to the bronze plaques at the base of the
statue, a great deal of information and options were presented for
the committee to digest before making any final decision.
Chairman Paul Gleason, noting that the meeting had already passed
two hours, recommended that the committee take the information with
them and gather their thoughts for the July meeting. Although
donations have begun to come in for the statue, since funding has
not been secured for the project and thus no urgency to make a
decision, there were no objections.
[to top of second column] |
Gleason also wanted noted in the records that although the Logan
County Board has officially recognized the committee to restore the
statue, the majority if not all of the funds needed to restore the
monument will come from private donations and grants and not be
borne by taxpayers.
Because the bids were extensive, with numerous possibilities and
mediums offered by each, the bids have been placed in the
secretary's office of the Logan County Board for the public to see
at their convenience.
The fund to restore the statue is being handled through the Logan
County Genealogical & Historical Society, which as a 501(c)(3)
corporation allows any contributions to be tax-deductible.
Those wishing to contribute can mail their donations to LCGHS at
114 N. Chicago, Lincoln, IL 62656.
[Text from file received; LDN]
 |
