Detroitpetanque Member Username: Detroitpetanque
Post Number: 171 Registered: 09-2006
| Posted on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 9:34 am: | |
On Tuesday, September 23rd, there will be a celebration of the Spirit of Detroit sculpture. http://freeismylife.blogspot.com/2008/09/free-50th-birthday-celebration-for.html Fifty years and witness to lots of different goings on right at its feet! The Spirit of Detroit was created by Marshall Fredericks. It was commissioned in 1955 for a cost of $58,000, and dedicated in 1958. In its left hand, the large seated figure holds a gilt bronze sphere emanating rays to symbolize God. In its right hand, is a family group symbolizing all human relationships. The 26-foot sculpture was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance when it was first installed. [thanks Wikipedia!] (Message edited by DetroitPetanque on September 19, 2008) |
Jcole Member Username: Jcole
Post Number: 3824 Registered: 04-2005
| Posted on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 10:41 am: | |
I can't believe it'a that long ago. I would have sworn I remember when it was installed, but I was only 2 1/2 at the time, so I guess not. |
Hairybackjoe Member Username: Hairybackjoe
Post Number: 49 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 6:16 pm: | |
The Tale of Genji turns 1000 years old this year. |
Chuckjav Member Username: Chuckjav
Post Number: 773 Registered: 09-2007
| Posted on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 6:27 pm: | |
Happy Birthday....you great big Spirit, you. |
Larryinflorida Member Username: Larryinflorida
Post Number: 2778 Registered: 02-2007
| Posted on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 10:19 pm: | |
Ya gotta have art. |
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen
Post Number: 3046 Registered: 10-2003
| Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 11:05 am: | |
Taken on Labor Day...freshly detailed for its Rededication!
|
Gannon Member Username: Gannon
Post Number: 14029 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 12:39 pm: | |
Yeah, he really doesn't look a DAY older than twenty-five...that Greenian Formula 16 works wonders on a fella! |
Eriedearie Member Username: Eriedearie
Post Number: 3203 Registered: 08-2007
| Posted on Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 7:35 pm: | |
I remember when the Spirit was first installed. My 5th grade A.L. Holmes Elementary School class went on a field trip to downtown Detroit to see it. That statue is one of my favorite things about Detroit right along with the architecture of so many of our beautiful buildings at the time. Then we walked across the street to the Ford Auditorium to listen to the DSO perform. I still recall the sounds of the "William Tell Overture" - they always played that first to get our attention right away. - good memories. |
Gannon Member Username: Gannon
Post Number: 14074 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 9:45 am: | |
Bump! Who's going down for the re-dedication ceremony this morning? See you there. |
Gannon Member Username: Gannon
Post Number: 14080 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 10:20 am: | |
Bump, just to stay on top of Pam's thread... |
Townonenorth Member Username: Townonenorth
Post Number: 173 Registered: 10-2007
| Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 11:08 am: | |
What did they do to it? It looks painted! |
Gannon Member Username: Gannon
Post Number: 14084 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 1:50 pm: | |
They restored the original patina...not quite paint, as far as I know. Thing is made of bronze, and they said this morning this green was one of Marshall Fredericks' trademark styles. |
Grumpyoldlady Member Username: Grumpyoldlady
Post Number: 244 Registered: 06-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 6:32 pm: | |
Does anyone remember or possibly have any photos of the incident where someone painted footprints going from the Spirit of Detroit, across Woodward, to the statue of the nude woman in the reflecting pool in front of what was then the Michigan Consolidated Gas Building at One Woodward? Is she still there? I worked in that building for a number of years, and recent photos make it look like the pools have been filled in, and I don't recall seeing the statue. |
Pam Member Username: Pam
Post Number: 4689 Registered: 11-2005
| Posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 6:57 pm: | |
quote:Is she still there? Yes. http://www.detroit1701.org/Pas sodiDanza.htm |