Sunday afternoon the Lincoln Public Library kicked off National Library Week with the unveiling of a new bronze bust of Lincoln's own William Maxwell.

Maxwell was born in Lincoln Aug. 16, 1908, and lived in this community until his early teen years. After the death of his mother, he went to live with an aunt in Bloomington. When his father remarried, Maxwell joined his father and stepmother to live in Chicago.

Even though he left Lincoln at an early age, he called this town home, and he said on more than one occasion that this community provided the backdrop for many of his own works.

Maxwell died July 31, 2000.

In his honor, a group known as "Friends of Maxwell" has worked diligently to bring the bronze bust to the library, and they completed their mission this weekend.

Pictures by Nila Smith

Attendees look for a good seat.

Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library director, welcomed guests and spoke briefly.

Margaret Pfeifer of the Friends of Maxwell group spoke on how the bust came about.

Mayor Keith Snyder and Ted Perry do the honors

Miller Whiteside of Bloomington designed the podium for the bust.  Pictured is Ted Perry.
 

Kathleen Farrell poses with the bust she sculpted based on a variety of photos of Maxwell.

Farrell, David Welch and Pfeifer pose with the bust. Welch has been very instrumental in memorializing William Maxwell in Lincoln.

After the unveiling, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of Peggy's Place bakery.

Back to top