Stone is set for CCC statue
Marion County road and bridge employees delivered a limestone rock July 13 to Marion County Park and Lake to be used as a base for a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) statue.
A one-foot deep three-foot round hole was dug and filled with sand to accommodate the 17-ton stone.
Chains surrounded the rock and a crane lifted the rock by the chains while the driver of the truck pulling the equipment trailer drove the truck out of the way.
Ever so gently, Bob Withers, the crane operator, began the process of lowering the 34,000-pound rock to the ground. County workers James Cogdill and Gary Williams maneuvered the swaying stone as the crane lowered the rock to the sandy destination.
Once on the ground, Dwight Beckham used a level to assure the rock was as stable as possible.
The chains were removed from the boulder, equipment loaded up, and the county's work was finished.
Dirt and small rocks will be used as fill around the stone.
The statue will be located near Upland Road and Lakeshore Drive and will be erected and dedicated in October.
