friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

CORNISH I NEW HAMPSHIRE I FALL/WINTER 2009

IN THIS ISSUE The Governor Roswell Pettibone Flower Monument I 1 Sculptural Visions 2009 I 5 Welcome New Friends I 6 Exhibitions, Symposia, Tours and Film I 7 SGNHS Announcement – BJ Dunn I 8

FROM THE MEMORIAL AND THE SITE

DEAR FRIENDS, We are thrilled at the public exposure Saint-Gaudens and his work are getting this season! Through the exhibition, Augustus Saint- Gaudens at The Metropolitan Museum of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Governor Roswell Pettibone Flower Monument , Watertown, . Archival photo. Art , two symposia on the artist; a bus trip to New York and the release of the new pedestal since 1902. Over the years, it film Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of THE GOVERNOR has endured a series of well intentioned, American Sculpture , hundreds of people ROSWELL but inappropriate, attempts at conserva - are being newly introduced (or re-intro - PETTIBONE FLOWER tion. By 2002, the surface was stained duced) to the life and work of one of MONUMENT and corroded, with remnants of old America's greatest sculptors. For more By Rande S. Richardson shellac coatings. With the centennial details, see page 7. Watertown, New York, a small approaching, a grassroots committee On a more personal and bittersweet note, took advantage of a unique opportunity BJ Dunn will be leaving as Superintendent city located 30 miles south of the to conserve the monument in very much of the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site Canadian border, is home to one the same way that the monument initial - for a Deputy Superintendent position at of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ ly was created. The goal was to return the Independence National Historical lesser known heroic bronze stat - Saint-Gaudens’ work to its original glory Park in Philadelphia, PA. We offer hearty and to build public awareness of the congratulations and best wishes to BJ as ues, the Governor Roswell significance of the sculpture. he takes this next step in his ascendant Pettibone Flower Monument. career, but do so with some sadness as Roswell Pettibone Flower was born Thanks to a group of citizens and the he has been an excellent advocate for August 7, 1835, near Watertown, the generous backing of the community, this Saint-Gaudens and the Site, an energetic sixth of nine children. After his humble city landmark recently underwent its first partner to the Memorial, and a good beginnings as a jeweler and assistant comprehensive restoration treatment in friend. More details about this change for postmaster, he would later be called a century. BJ and the park are on the back cover. upon to manage the $1 million estate of Sincerely, Located in the center of a major thor - his brother-in-law, Henry Keep. This oughfare and in the city’s Downtown brought him to where he Public Square historic district, the eventually opened the banking house of PBRyEroSnIDBENelT l Saint-Gaudens Memorial sculpture has stood upon its granite R.P. Flower & Co. As the fund grew to (‘ Dear Friend s’continued on page 8) (“ Gov. Pettibone Flower Monument ” continued on page 2) friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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The statue was officially $4 million, he established himself as a New York Times expressed concerns dedicated on Labor Day, 1902. capable financial administrator and about the resulting impact on the stock The unveiling ceremony became known as the “Lion of .” market with a headline stating: attracted thousands, and the “A Panicky Feeling in Wall Street due to He later rose work was dubbed Ex-Governor’s Death.” In an official to political “A People’s Memorial.” address made shortly after Flower’s prominence, death, then New York Governor Theodore serving three Roosevelt remarked that Flower was terms in the the high stone pedestal and unusual “a man of great means, whose ambition octagonal plot; and James Earle Fraser was more than merely the success of Congress and Henry Hering assisted with the money making; a success comprehended prior to being commission. in the phrase ‘having rendered service to elected the the people’. It is fitting we should honor The statue was lifted into place on 30th his memory.” August 29, 1902 and officially dedicated Governor of on Labor Day, September 1, 1902. The New York, The citizens of his hometown felt very Governor Roswell Pettibone unveiling ceremony attracted thousands, Flower, ca. 1892. Archival photo. serving from much the same way. Two months after and the work was dubbed “A People’s 1892 to 1894. his death, John C. Thompson and Memorial,” given the spirit in which the Charles A. Starbuck, officials of the New monument was made possible. The Many speculated that he would become York Air Brake Corporation, teamed up audience roared in applause when a candidate for President of the United with the Watertown Daily Times to young Frederick Halsey Taylor, grandson States and he was a contender at the launch a subscription campaign “to per - of Gov. Flower, pulled the string to Democratic National Convention in July petuate the memory of Gov. Flower in release the flag veiling the monument. 1884. An Albany, NY newspaper Watertown, where almost every being endorsed his nomination as the was, to a greater or less extent, a recipi - Democratic candidate for President in ent of his bounty.” Following gifts of 1896. He was even featured as one of $500 each from Thompson and several “Presidential Possibilities” on Starbuck, contributions poured in from a series of tobacco trading cards. over 2,200 individuals and organiza - Although a prominent figure in financial tions, ranging from “pennies to a thou - and social circles in New York City and sand dollars.” By November of that Washington, he always maintained a same year, the subscription campaign family home and friendships in had reached its goal of $25,000. Watertown and frequently returned there. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commis - He and his family were known for their sioned to begin work on the monument many philanthropic endeavors. In addi - in May of 1900. A hand-written letter tion to the funding of the construction from Saint-Gaudens in Paris, dated of Trinity Episcopal Church in Watertown June 12, 1900, confirmed the commis - and a library at Cornell University, he sion. A planned completion date was also made possible the building of New set for September 1, 1901, but was York City’s Saint Thomas House as well subsequently changed to September 1, as Flower Hospital. 1902. Henry Bacon, who later went on Upon his sudden death on May 12, 1899, to be the designer of the Lincoln Saint-Gaudens’ clay models of the statue. he left an estate worth an estimated Memorial in Washington D.C., collabo - Photo courtesy of Dartmouth College Library. $25 million. A front page article in The rated with Saint-Gaudens, contributing friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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Although Saint-Gaudens was unable to the remaining upper attend, he provided a written statement portion of the pedestal. which read, “It is difficult for the artist to Louis also designed two speak of his own work, but I have made standing granite eagles Gov. Flower in the set of delivering an with partially spread address. He is standing by a table with wings. The eagles stood the American flag over it. What I have on either side of the front attempted is the depicting of the large of the elliptical plot. As traits of his character. The statue must increased traffic began show for itself.” Saint-Gaudens’ long- to surround the monument time assistant, Gaëtan Ardisson, attended in the 1950’s, discussion the ceremony in his absence. arose several times about The 4,000-pound, 9-foot sculpture, cast ways to adapt the monu - at the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company, ment to fit with the times. New York City, has Flower standing Periodically it was sug - with his right hand outstretched and left gested that the monument hand resting on the flag-draped table be moved to an alternate behind him. He wears a long coat and location, but each time the suit. On top of the table rests a hat public protested. Instead, and a large book with an eagle on the the decision was made binding. The granite path leading to to reduce the size of its the monument features an inscription, footprint and remove the “erected in affectionate and grateful two granite eagles. After Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Governor Roswell Pettibone Flower Monument , remembrance of his noble manhood, residing in a storage shed, Watertown, New York, in 2009, after a 6-year "touch up" by Conservation Solutions. Photo by Rande S. Richardson his distinguished public services and his then being transferred to loving kindness to all.” a series of alternate loca - tions, the eagles eventually “disappeared.” from Save Outdoor Sculpture! gave the The bronze statue rests upon a 16,000 Some research indicates that after effort momentum. pound, 9-foot granite pedestal, which leaving Watertown, the eagles made was carved by Buehler & Lanter of The Governor Flower Monument their home in Jacksonville, Florida. New York City from Branford Synite and Centennial Committee held its first official A Florida newspaper reporter tracked Stony Creek granite. On its face, inlaid meeting in April 2002, and formally their last known location to, Manila, bronze letters read, launched a campaign with a $120,000 Arkansas; however, to this day, their goal the following month. The project was whereabouts remain a mystery. “TO ROSWELL PETTIBONE FLOWER, to include treatment of active pitting and BORN AUGUST 7, 1835, DIED MAY In January 2002, a small group of inter - corrosion resulting from several years of 12, 1899, REPRESENTATIVE IN THE ested citizens began meeting to discuss inappropriate treatments and neglect; FORTY SEVENTH AND IN THE FIFTY ways to mark the monument’s centennial replication of the original eagles; improve - FIRST CONGRESS, GOVERNOR OF anniversary. Since the statue was owned ments to the monument site, including THE STATE OF NEW YORK” by the City of Watertown, approval lighting; and provision of a fund for the The pedestal’s reverse features a bronze from local officials was first required. monument's continued care. The commit - New York State seal, modeled by After making a proposal at a city council tee was intent on involving as many Augustus' brother, Louis St. Gaudens. meeting, the group was given the members of the community as possible, The seal is framed in granite by ribbon green light to formally organize and just as was done when the funds to and tassels and oak leaf clusters surround begin to seek funding. An initial grant commission the work were raised. (“ Gov. Pettibone Flower Monument ” continued on page 4) friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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The restored Monument represents all that can be accomplished when a motivated group of individuals have the vision, dedication, passion and perseverance to make a dream a reality.

Using the slogan, “Today for Tomorrow,” campaign brochures and flyers were produced, and members of the commit - tee appeared on local television and radio programs to discuss the efforts. Several articles appeared in the same newspaper which had partnered on the 1900 subscription effort. In the midst of the fundraising, the group held a special event to commemorate the actual 100th anniversary of the unveiling and tell a new generation of citizens of the story of how the local landmark came to be. Following the restoration, a centennial rededication ceremony was held September 20, 2003. The response from the community Photo by Mark Scarlett. matched that of 1900. Within six months, the fundraising goal had been following August, comprehensive lards and curbing were also placed, surpassed, with $128,000 raised. As in conservation was performed under the returning the footprint, as practically 1900, gifts ranged in size from a few guidance of Joseph Sembrat and Mark as possible, to its original configuration dollars to thousands of dollars, and just Rabinowitz of Conservations Solutions, and helping to protect the monument as before, the greater community took Inc. of Washington, D.C. In addition from damage by vehicles. Additional, ownership of the Saint-Gaudens’ tribute to the cleaning, full repatination and reinforced bollards at the front of the to Roswell P. Flower. The group also hot-applied waxing of the bronze, the monument later prevented potential received the support of the sitting State granite pedestal and base were cleaned major damage when the monument was Senator, and given that the monument to remove biological growth, carbon hit with substantial force by an alleged honored a former New York Governor, crusts and general staining. Large chips drunk driver. The committee continues a legislative appropriation was awarded, in the granite were repaired using stone to struggle with maintaining the aesthetic constituting the largest single gift to Dutchman cut from stock salvaged from and historic character of the monument, the project. Over 300 individuals and other site stones. Open joints were while providing for its protection. 100 organizations contributed financially, patched and repointed. Through the efforts of the committee, and still others offered in-kind gifts. Using archival photographs, Jerry T. there has been increased awareness The monument was about to be reborn: Williams of Barre Sculpture Studios, and appreciation of this work by Saint- Gov. Flower, who had stood overlooking Montpelier, Vermont, created two new Gaudens and the value of public statuary a century of the city’s history, was going eagles from Vermillion Bay, Ontario in general. As importantly, there has to receive much-needed attention. The mountain-rose granite. New granite bol - been a demonstrated commitment on (“ Gov. Pettibone Flower Monument ” continued on page 6) friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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SCULPTURAL VISIONS 2009 Sculptural Visions 2009, sponsored by the Site and the Friends of Saint-Gaudens was a great success. About 550 people attended the event on September 26.

All of the sculptural arts were demonstrated ASSEMBLAGE including bronze casting, assemblage, gilding, hand casting, wood carving, sculptural relief, and more. Guest artists were Bill Williams, Antoinette Jacobson, Steve Voitko, William Schnute, and Susan Reilly. G N I V R A C D O O W

BRONZE CASTING G N I T S A C D N A

H SCULPTING

GILDING N A G R O E R I F friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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(“ Gov. Pettibone Flower Monument ” continued from page 4) stamp cancellation was offered, 100th anniver - WELCOME TO sary t-shirts were made available, and a 24-page friends commemorative booklet New SAINT O F -G s A was produced, detailing d U n D e E the monument’s history, i N

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E O including many archival R R I N H I S S and current photographs. H P M • A N E W H

As part of the agreement Mary Stewart Baird with the conservators, WOODSTOCK, VT a volunteer training pro - Susan and Wells Chandler gram was implemented. CORNISH, NH With funds raised for Michael Dorsch a continuing care fund, NEW YORK, NY nearly every summer Tom and Jane Dyer Volunteers at the restored Flower Monument with two re-created eagles. since the original con - NORTHAMPTON, MA Photo courtesy of Rande S. Richardson. servation tr eatment in Maryanne Gerbaukas 2003, members of the PHILADELPHIA, PA behalf of the citizenry to be responsible committee, and others, erect scaffolding Stephen S. Lash stewards of the rich legacy of the past. and spend a day cleaning and waxing NEW YORK, NY As a result, future generations will be able the monument. This past summer, the Diane, George to enjoy this artistic treasure much as it original conservators returned for a and Julia MacDonald was the day Gov. Flower’s grandson pulled touch-up and inspection, and remarked PLAINFIELD, NH off the American flag at the unveiling. at how well maintained the monument Susan Menconi On September 20, 2003, the street had been over the last six years. NEW YORK, NY surrounding the monument was again Many have since commented how Margaret Newbold CORNISH, NH closed to traffic, as many community meaningful it is when a project is members and descendants of Gov. accomplished not by requirement or Susan W. Peirce SHERBORN, MA Flower attended the official re-dedica - obligation, but because of the people’s tion of the newly restored monument. will to make it so. A centerpiece in this Marcus Ratliff NORWICH, VT Local Girl Scout troops participated, town’s landscape and an affectionate the high school choir sang, an area tribute to Gov. Flower, the restored Suzanne Richardson WEATHERSFIELD, VT drum and bugle corps performed, and Saint-Gaudens work also stands as a the 10th Mountain Division Band, from renewed symbol of civic pride. It repre - Katherine Schwab and Ronald Davidson nearby Fort Drum, played the National sents all that can be accomplished FAIRFIELD, CT Anthem. The re-created eagles sat when a motivated group of individuals, Kitty and Clay Simpson proudly, returned to their intended spot supported by their community, have HANOVER, NH after a long absence. In addition to a the vision, dedication, passion and Marco Polo Stufano formal ribbon cutting, the event featured perseverance to make a dream a reality. remarks from local officials and mem - NEW YORK, NY bers of the monument committee Christopher Weinmann reading excerpts from speeches made Rande S. Richardson is the chairman of NORWICH, VT at the 1902 ceremony. A special postal the Governor Flower Monument Committee (‘ Newly Found Rare Photograph...’ continued on page 7) friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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Saint-Gaudens: Exhibition, Symposia, Tours and Film

OCTOBER 10 SYMPOSIUM AUGUSTUS SAINT-GAUDENS AND HIS NUMISMATIC LEGACY OCTOBER 9 SYMPOSIUM October 10 is the date of the American Numismatic Society’s all-day symposium, AUGUSTUS SAINT-GAUDENS Augustus Saint-Gaudens and His AT THE METROPOLITAN Numismatic Legacy . For more informa - MUSEUM OF ART tion visit the ANS website at www.numismatics.org/NewsEvents/ASGProgram . The exhibition, Augustus Saint-Gaudens DECEMBER 27 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art , FILM DEBUT Curated by Thayer Tolles, Curator of AUGUSTUS American Paintings and Sculpture at SAINT-GAUDENS: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New MASTER OF AMERICAN York City, has been a great success. SCULPTURE

To see images from the show or to get The new film, Augustus Saint-Gaudens: more information about the exhibit and Master of American Sculpture was related events, visit: previewed by Channel Thirteen, the www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp . public television station in New York City The exhibit closes November 15. on September 13 as part of its OCTOBER 28 – 29 Read a review of the exhibition by BUS TOUR SundayArts program. Peter Schjeldahl, “High and Low Relie f” The one-hour film will air nationally on NEW YORK CITY which appeared in the August 24, 2009 PBS on December 27. issue of The New Yorker at: AUGUSTUS SAINT-GAUDENS TOUR DVD’s of the film are available through www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/artworld/200 - the historic site at www.eparks.com/store , 9/08/24/090824craw_artworld_schjeldahl . On October 2 8–29, a bus tour from the Upper Valley, sponsored by the Friends PBS and Amazon. On October 9, the museum held of Saint-Gaudens and members of The a day-long symposium featuring Hood Museum of Art, will tour the exhibit To see an 8-minute clip of the film a number of international scholars with Ms .Tolles and visit other sites in (this portion featuring Saint-Gaudens’s who spoke to a variety of topics the city related to the sculptor and his Shaw Memorial) visit: related to the exhibit. architect-collaborator, Standford White. www.youtube.com/user/OurTownFilms .

(continued on back cover) friends OF SAINT-GAUDENS

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(‘ The Pettibone Flower Monument...’ continued from page 4) The promotion does not come as a complete surprise to those who know BJ. Become a friend Trustees, colleagues and neighbors of OF the Site are well aware of his outstanding SAINT-GAUDENS abilities and expected that sooner or later, the National Park Service would want to www.sgnhs.org put those talents to use in a broader arena. ll members receive a twice-yearly newsletter and annou&ncements of exhibits, President Byron Bell said of BJ, lectures, concerts other programs. “He has accomplished so much for the Individual $ 50 park, has been an energetic partner with SGNHS Superintendent BJ Dunn Family $ 75 the Memorial, and an excellent advocate for the historic site. He has been a Supporter $ 100 SGNHS SUPERINTENDENT Sponsor $ 250 BJ DUNN MOVING TO pleasure to work with and we thank him sincerely for his leadership and friendship Bronze Patron $ 500 INDEPENDENCE NHP over the past 6 years.” Gilded Benefactor $ 1,000 BJ Dunn has been the The NPS will appoint an Acting Super- Superintendent of the intendent while they seek out a permanent I would like a FREE annual park pass to the Saint-Gaudens Site. ($25 value. Saint-Gaudens National replacement for the position. This part of your membership fee is not Historic Site since 2003. tax deductible.) Prior to this, he was Assistant CHECK VIS A MASTERCARD The Saint-Gaudens Memorial Superintendent at the Marsh-Billings- is a private, non-profit corporation CAR D # Rockefeller National Historic Park in chartered to advise and support Woodstock, VT, and has also worked the National Historic Site EXP DATE at Acadia National Park (ME), the and sponsor programs and activities that promote public awareness SIGNATURE North Atlantic Regional Office (MA), of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the Frederick Law Olmsted, Longfellow his work and sculpture in general. NAME and John F. Kennedy National Historic ADDRESS Sites (MA) and Women's Rights National Saint-Gaudens Memorial Historic Park (NY). BJ grew up 91 4-94 4-1608 tel & fax in Cornish and started his career with the [email protected] National Park Service in 1983 as www.sgnhs.org a seasonal maintenance employee PHONE at the SGNHS. He will continue in his I do not wish to join at this time position until October 23rd. Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site but would like to make a contribution. The site is administered by BJ has been appointed Deputy Super- the U.S. Department of Interior, Please send me more information intendent at Independence National National Park Service e n o Gifts are tax-deductible Historical Park in Philadelphia, PA, which t

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