Workers' statue to be erected at county lake
Staff reporter
Three residents of the Marion County Park and Lake asked permission from the Marion County Commission at Friday's meeting to erect a statue at the lake entrance.
Helen and Dwight Beckham and Monty Thomas made the presentation.
The statue would commemorate the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) worker and would be erected by the flag pole at the lake entrance, across from Kingfisher's Inn.
The Beckhams and Thomas presented a drawing of the bronze statue. It would need to be mounted on a base. Thomas suggested limestone.
The National Association of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Alumni has the goal of placing a life-sized bronze statue of a CCC worker in every state in the U.S. Currently, there are 21 statues in 19 states, but none in Kansas.
"If there's going to be one in Kansas it might as well be in Marion," said Helen.
The statue would be ordered through the CCC alumni organization and shipped to Marion. The approximate cost would be $20,000, including freight.
Helen is hopeful that grant money and donations will be obtained for the cost of the statue. She sees it as a state project, not just a county project.
The group requested county assistance in placement of the stone base and the mounting of the statue on the base.
Bob Hein, Marion County commissioner, agreed that this is a "super project." The commission approved the location and use of county equipment in erecting the statue.
Thomas said that he had some ideas for fund raisers for the project.
"I thought about having concessions during the fireworks display (the Sunday before Labor Day)," said Thomas.
According to Helen, the CCC was authorized by Congress after Franklin Roosevelt's inauguration in 1933.
"His (Roosevelt's) plan called for relief of the unemployed youth and the restoring of our natural resources," said Helen. "His plan worked and now these unemployed youth are the 'Greatest Generation.'"
The workers were black veterans from World War I and the Spanish-American War.
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers were older, married veterans, and were responsible for the stone structures. They also were responsible for the construction of the Marion City Building, among other projects.
In 2002, the Marion County Park and Lake was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the only such facility in the state of Kansas to receive this designation.
Anyone wishing to make a donation, may make checks payable to The CCC Statue Project c/o Central National Bank, Marion KS 66861.
