The library underwent a major expansion in the 1990s. This sculpture was put in storage for safekeeping, and the library forgot to save a place for it in front of the building,. When someone finally remembered the statue, it was placed around back, next to the trash cans.
Finally, in 2010 the library's director was able to make arrangements with a private donor to pay to relocate Mark Twain back to a place of honor in front of the library.
Love Twain quote. The man was a walking riot in a white suit.
ReplyDeleteA place of honor is what he deserves. What a guy! Wish we had more like him today...
ReplyDeleteRe your comment on Ocala: I did try to do what you said - after took the picture. I whistled nonchalantly and ambled away. Well, does running at 10 mph constitute "ambling"?
i can just image the story he'd tell about this experience. we'd be rolling on the floor.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent sculpture, thanks to the private donor!
ReplyDeleteDespite the fact that I enjoy the desert, this strong sculpture makes me remember and miss the Mississippi that rolls by not-too-far from our house in St. Paul.
ReplyDeleteGood news. He really does belong in front of the Library!
ReplyDeleteMy thought is the same as Bratcat's. I would really like to read whatever Twain would have written about being placed next to the trash bins.
ReplyDeleteFor all those who complain about Twain's use of the language of his era, they should read his "Puddinhead Wilson" for insight into his views of race and discrimination.
Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVery nice piece Jack.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very nice sculpture of this great writer!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it was moved to a place of honour! My goodness, what were they thinking when they put it out back?
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see him where he deserves to be! I've been an admirer of Twain for many years. He was an incredibly wise man with a terrific sense of humor. Wonderful post, Jack!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
He probably would have spun a good tale about being out by the trash!
ReplyDeleteVery nice picture. Great story about statue, almost
ReplyDelete" Twainish".
My favorite Twain quote is "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."
That's a beautiful bronze.
ReplyDeleteOne has to wonder that they couldn't think of a better place than next to trash cans! I'm glad the director went to work on the indignity!
ReplyDeleteExcellent sculpture.
ReplyDeleteMissouri's gift to Connecticut. When I saw the thumbnail for a minute I thought it was Ed Muskie.
ReplyDeleteQuelle horreur!! the trash cans, but I bet 'himself' would have been having a bit of a laugh about that!! Enjoyed your telling of this tale Jack.
ReplyDeleteNice piece of work.
ReplyDeleteI also think MT would have an interesting comment regarding the rear/trashy exile. Heh!
Nice they found a way to get good old Mark/Samuel in his rightful place. He's such an American icon.
ReplyDeleteYES!, What a coincidence, although I have to say that my writer does not have the fame of yours.
ReplyDelete