Abraham Lincoln: A Welcome Conversation - East Hartford, CT

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A Welcome Conversation

East Hartford, CT

Topic: Abraham Lincoln

A Welcome Conversation

Plaque

GPS: N41° 46.011; W072° 39.826

Quick Description: 

A Welcome Conversation is the title of a sculpture located at the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront in East Hartford, CT.

Long Description:

Sixteen abstract and traditional sculptures related to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln are installed along the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront in Hartford and East Hartford.

This sculpture by Don Sottile depicts a Abraham Lincoln as a young man in his early 20's and celebrates his ability to relate to townspeople. Lincoln is sitting on a rock and invites the viewer to sit on an adjacent rock to have a conversation.

A plaque adjacent to the sculpture is inscribed:

{Profile of Lincoln}
Lincoln
Financial
Sculpture
Walk at
Riverfront
{five wavy lines}

A Welcome Conversation
Don Sottile, 2006

"Every man is said to have his peculiar
ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say
for one that I have no other so great as that
of being truly esteemed of my fellow men ..."


In his early 20's, Abraham Lincoln settled in the village of
New Salem, Illinois. he gained immediate attention as a
hard worker and natural leader and was known for his wit
and honesty. As the town's postmaster, he was always
ready to please his customers and would go out of his way
to meet their needs, sometime walking miles to deliver
mail. He also was viewed as the town's storyteller and
would entertain townspeople with jokes, tales and
self-effacing campaign speeches. His colorful phrases and
backwoods humor helped him connect with people as well
as win their trust and admiration.

The Lincoln Financial is an insurance company based in Philadelphia with offices in Hartford.