Famous Fictional Figures: Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman - Sleepy Hollow, NY

Ichabod Crane

and the 

Headless Horseman

Sleepy Hollow, NY

N 41° 05.301 W 073° 51.704

Short Description: 

A bas relief sculpture of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman is located at the entrance to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, NY

Long Description:

Washington Irving's classic tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was set in the Tappan Zee area of the Hudson River Valley near the Old Dutch Church and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in North Tarrytown, NY.

In this legend, the area is haunted by the Headless Horseman believed to be the ghost of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannon ball during the Revolutionary War. The Horseman is seen most often riding by the Old Dutch Church and nearby cemetery, where according to local lore he was buried. He is believed to be in search of his head. Ichabod Crane is prone to believe in the supernatural and is fascinated by this story. That is, until he actually encounters the Headless Horseman.

The Village of North Tarrytown, where the legend takes place, renamed itself Sleepy Hollow in 1996. A bas relief sculpture of the Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman is located alongside Route 9, at the entrance to Philipsburg Manor, a short distance south of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

This, approximately 4' high, semi-circular granite bas relief sculpture was created by Michael Gressel and installed in 1974. It depicts the moment when Ichabod Crane was riding for his life on his horse Gunpowder. Hapless Ichabod is being closely followed by the Headless Horseman, who is about to throw his jack-o'-lantern head at Ichabod. The Old Dutch Church is shown in the background.

The sculpture was given in celebration the centennial of the village of North Tarrytown. A granite tablet in front of the sculpture is inscribed:

PRESENTED TO

VILLAGE OF NORTH TARRYTOWN

BY THE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

1874 - 1974

Ghosts and Hauntings: Red Onion Saloon - Skagway, AK

Red Onion Saloon

Skagway, AK

N 59° 27.231 W 135° 19.104

Short Description: 

The Red Onion Saloon is reported to be haunted by the ghost of Lydia, a former worker in the upstairs brothel. The Red Onion Saloon is located at 205 Broadway, Skagway, AK.

Long Description:

The Red Onion Saloon is an historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Skagway Historic District and White Pass. It was build in 1898 and served as the most exclusive brothel in Skagway during the gold rush. The brothel was upstairs from the bar. That's where Lydia worked.

Video about Lydia and the Red Onion Saloon: link

According to the Haunted Rooms website: link

"One of the most recognizable spirits in the Red Onion Saloon is that of Lydia. Lydia was one of the prostitutes of the former brothel. The years may have passed but her spirit apparently did not. There have been various reports of footsteps heard on the second floor where the brothel used to be. The strong smell of perfume would linger in the air and there would also be extreme cold spots where the smell of perfume had originated."

"Once there was a great disturbance in the upper floors so the police were called to check. As they approached the stairs, they saw a figure (believed to be the ghost of Lydia) running down the hall and into a room, a room which was once the former madame’s. Upon inspection the room was empty and there was nowhere for any intruder to go. Lydia is also said to water the plants. There have been many occasions when the hostess of the house would find the soil damp, as if someone had watered it recently."

"Lydia has been seen many times in full apparition and she has also been observed walking around the madame’s room. It is said that sometimes she can be hostile towards men. However, it has not been established if she died in the house."

Abstract Sculpture: Nimbus - Juneau, AK

Nimbus

Juneau, AK

N 58° 17.996 W 134° 24.890

Short Description: 

“Nimbus” sculpture is located in the plaza outside the new Alaska State Library and Museum at 395 Whittier Street in Juneau, AK.

Long Description:

The controversial abstract sculpture "Nimbus", was created by Robert Murray in 1977 and originally installed at the Dimond Courthouse in 1978. It was removed in 1984 and reinstalled at the Alaska State Museum in 1990. It was again taken down when the new museum was being build and finally reinstalled permanently in 2016 at the opening of the Alaska State Library and Museum, SLAM.

The 5 ton 15' high sculpture is made from two pieces of Cor-Ten steel, welded together to form an arch, and painted a bright blue-green. Its critics proclaimed it looked like a "Kleenex half-pulled from the box". The artist he was inspiration by the shape of the hills of Douglas Island across the Gastineau Channel from Juneau. Nonetheless the sculpture does have its following and its own Facebook page: Link

A bronze plaque near the sculpture is inscribed:

NIMBUS

"NIMBUS", BY ARTIST ROBERT MURRAY, BY WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1977 BY A SEVEN MEMBER ARTS COMMITTEE. THE 16-FEET-HIGH, FIVE-TON STEEL SCULPTURE WAS INSTALLED IN FRONT OF DIMOND COURTHOUSE IN 1978. IT WAS FUNDED BY THE ALASKA STATE COUNCIL AT ON THE ARTS, THE STATE COURT SYSTEM AND THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

CONTROVERSY ABOUT THE SCULPTURE'S SHAPE, SIZE AND COLOR (WHICH MURRAY NAMED "JUNEAU GREEN") BEGAN ON THE DAY IT WAS INSTALLED. IN 1984 "NIMBUS" WAS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL SITE AT THE REQUEST OF THE ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE. IN 1990 THE SCULPTURE BECAME THE PROPERTY OF THE ALASKA STATE MUSEUM, WHICH, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THOMAS B. STEWART, ARRANGED AND FUNDED THE RESITING OF THE PIECE IN ITS PRESENT LOCATION. THE NEW SITE WAS APPROVED BY SCULPTOR MURRAY.

MURRAY, A CANADIAN, WHO MAKES HIS HOME IN NEW YORK CITY, IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SCULPTOR.

Statue of Historic Figure: Terry Fox - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Terry Fox

Victoria, BC, Canada

N 48° 24.558 W 123° 22.142

Short Description: 

A statue of athlete, cancer victim, and cancer research activist Terry Fox is located in the southwest corner of Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, British Columbia.

Long Description:

Terry Fox lost his right leg to cancer. Nonetheless, he undertook an effort, called the Marathon of Hope., to run the length of Canada from St. John's, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia in order to raise awareness of cancer and funds for cancer research. He managed to cover 3,339 miles in 143 days before his cancer spread and soon thereafter cost him his life. Today he is a Canadian folk hero.

The statue depicts Terry Fox running on a prosthetic right leg. A bronze plaque on the polished black granite base is inscribed:

Terry Fox was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and raised in Port Coquitlam, 

British Columbia, a community near Vancouver on Canada’s west coast. 

An active teenage involved in many sports, Terry was only 18 years old when he

was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his 

right leg amputated 15 centimeters (six inches) above the knee in 1977. 

While in hospital, Terry was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, 

many of them young children, that he decided to run across Canada to raise money 

for cancer research.

He would call his journey the Marathon of Hope.

After 18 months’ and running over 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles) to prepare, Terry

started his run in St. John’s, Newfoundland on April 12, 1980 with little fanfare. 

Although it was difficult to garner attention in the beginning, enthusiasm soon grew, and 

the money collected along his route began to mount. Her ran 42 kilometers (26 miles) a day 

through Canada’s Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario. 

It was a journey that Canadians never forgot.

However, on September 1st, after 143 days and 5, 374 kilometer (3,339 miles), Terry was forced 

to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario because cancer had appeared in his lungs. An 

entire nation was stunned and saddened. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at age 22.

The heroic Canadian was gone, but his legacy was just beginning.

The front of the base is inscribed:

“Somewhere the hurting must stop...”

TERRY FOX

1958 - 1981

The sides of the base have the inscriptions:

“Dreams are made possible if you try.”

and 

“I believe in miracles. I have to.”

Casino: MGM Springfield - Springfield, MA.

MGM Springfield

Springfield, MA

N 42° 05.962 W 072° 35.192

Short Description: 

MGM Springfield is located between Main, State, and Union Streets and East Columbus Avenue at One MGM Way, in downtown Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

MGM Springfield is the first resort casino constructed in Massachusetts. It open to the public on August 24, 2018. The $960,000,000 project is built on reclaimed land that was destroyed by the tornado that struck Springfield on June 1, 2011.

The 2 million square-foot complex with contains a gaming area surrounded by a parking garage, 252 room hotel, spa, movie theater, restaurants, and shops. The 125,000 square-foot casino featuring 2,550 slots, 120 table games, a high-limit room and a poker room with 23 tables.

Tenants:

Cal Mare - Italian Restaurant - Main Street
Chandler Steakhouse - Main Street
Indian Motorcycle Apparel
Kringle Candle - Spiritualist Church on Union Street
Regal Cinemas - Union Street
South End Market - State Street
    Bill's Diner
    Gelato and Espresso
    Hearth Grill
    Jack's Lobster Shack
    Wicked Noodles
    Wine and Cheese
Starbucks - Main Street
Tap Sports Bar, Arcade and 6 Bowling Alleys - South Side of Main Plaza

Abstract Sculpture: The Flying Tidings Whirled - Springfield, MA

The Flying Tidings Whirled

Springfield, MA

N 42° 05.898 W 072° 35.131

Short Description: 

The abstract sculpture The Flying Tidings Whirled is located in the entrance to the MGM Springfield Hotel on One MGM Way and Main Street in Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

The MGM Casino Hotel opened on August 24, 2018. It is build on an area of Springfield that was devastated by the tornado that struck on June 1, 2011. In recognition of the resiliency of Springfield in recovering from the tornado the MGM Springfield Casino commissioned Mia Pearlman to create the sculpture that is placed at the entrance to the hotel just before the lobby.

Mia Perlman calls this work "The Flying Tidings Whirled". The 15' high by 12' wide sculpture is constructed from a series of powder coated aluminum plate and arranged to form a counter-clockwise swirling helix to give the impression of a tornado.

A nearby sign is inscribed:

Mia Pearlman

(American, b. 1975)

Flying Tidings Whirled

2018

Power Coated Aluminum

Appox. 180" x 144"

MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection {MGM Logo}

Artistic Seating: Bench of Expectations - Springfield, MA

Bench of Expectations

Springfield, MA

N 42° 05.959 W 072° 35.190

Short Description: 

"Bench of Expectations" is located on the MGM Springfield Casino Plaza at One MGM Way in Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

"Bench of Expectations" is a metal sculpture designed to be used for seating at the MGM Springfield Casino Plaza. It was created by Danish artist Jeppe Hein who is famous for creating similar seating sculptures that have been erected around the world.

According to the MGM Newsroom website: link

Jeppe Hein – “Bench of Expectation” – Jeppe Hein is one of Denmark’s most celebrated contemporary artists. Now based in Berlin, he is known for his sculpturally inventive and conceptually whimsical works, often made for public spaces and social interactions with people. Tasked with designing a functional, captivating work of art for MGM Springfield, Hein created Bench of Expectation – an eye-catching, bright red bench that is prominently displayed in the resort’s outdoor plaza. Part of his ongoing sculpture series, the quirky structure elongates the ubiquitous park bench to an almost Seussian degree with winding loops and slides. Visitors can use it as a typical bench or walk around and through its structure to explore and interact with it.

Mural: Indian Motorcycle - Springfield, MA

Indian Motorcycle

Springfield, MA

N 42° 05.936 W 072° 35.156

Short Description: 

The MGM Springfield Casino commissioned this painting of a mural of an Indian Motorcycle to adorn the back wall of the historic Springfield Armory on the grounds of the casino.

Long Description:

A 30' long by 25' high mural of a Indian Motorcycle was created by local artist John Simpson in 2018. The mural is part of the effort of the newly opened MGM Springfield Casino to incorporate items that reflect the history of Springfield into its design.

The Springfield Armory, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was devastated by the tornado that struck Springfield on June 1, 2011. MGM acquired the property from the City of Springfield and incorporated the building into it's plan. The mural is high on the south wall of the Armory facing the south plaza of the casino. The mural depicts the Indian Scout 45 Police Motorcycle and the logo for the Indian Motorcycle Co. which was founded in Springfield in 1901. The mural compliments Indian Motorcycle's first apparel store located along this plaza.

Lion Statue: Leo, the MGM Springfield Casino Lion - Springfield, MA

MGM Springfield Casino Lion

Springfield, MA

N 42° 05.953 W 072° 35.257

Short Description: 

Leo, the mascot lion for MGM is located at the entrance to the valet parking garage of the new MGM Springfield Casino is at One MGM Way off of State Street in Springfield, MA.

Long Description:

Every MGM property is given a mascot lion. This 600 pound bronze lion is 6' in length. It was fabricated by the George M. Raymond Co. in Las Vegas, moved to Springfield by truck and erected at the entrance to the valet parking garage.

The lion is sitting on its hind legs on top of an 18" high, lighted, five sided platform which is rounded on the front. Behind the platform is a 7' high wall decorated with metal latticework. Near the top of the wall is the inscription MGM SPRINGFIELD

State Capitol: Connecticut State Capitol - Hartford, CT

Connecticut State Capitol

Hartford, CT

N 41° 45.832 W 072° 40.957

Under the Dome

Short Description: 

Connecticut State Capitol is located on a hill at the north end of Bushnell Park at 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT

Long Description:

After the Civil War it was evident that the old State House was inadequate, so the General Assembly authorized a million dollar project to construct a new building in Hartford. Richard M. Upjohn was chosen as the architect and James G. Batterson the contractor. As contrator, Batterson then continually revised Upjohn's plan. The central tower is Batterson's design, not Upjohn's. Construction began in 1871 and ended in 1878. Cost overruns more than doubled the cost to over $2,500,000.

The resulting highly ornate building is a masterpiece of Eastlake style design. The building's facades display statuary and include several statues, medallions and carved tympana over the doors. The statues are of people important to the state's history including: Connecticut's founder the Reverend Thomas Hooker, Governor John Winthrop, Jr., Roger Sherman, Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Noah Webster, and the newest addition Governor Ella T. Grasso, the first female governor of the state who died in 1981.

Civil War Monument: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch - Hartford, CT

Soldiers and Sailors 

Memorial Arch

Hartford, CT

N 41° 45.931 W 072° 40.796

Short Description: 

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch is located in Bushnell Park on Trinity Street south of Ford Street in Hartford.

Long Description:

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, the first permanent triumphal arch erected in America, is dedicated to the men from Hartford who served in the Civil War. The arch is 116' high, 30' wide and 67' in circumference. It was create by a large team of artists: Albert Entress, Caspar Buberl, Samuel James Kitson - sculptors; George W. Keller - architect; Hiram Bissell, Augustus Budde - contractors; Boston Terra Cotta Company - fabricator. The arch was dedicated September 17, 1886.

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial is a Gothic style arch featuring two medieval towers joined by a classical frieze that encircles the arch. The north frieze depicts events of the the war. General Grant is on the far right observing battle scenes involving infantry, cavalry and marines. The south frieze depicts the peace following the war. A allegorical female figure representing the City of Hartford is in the center. To either side citizens gathered to welcome home returning soldiers. On the north side of the arch are a Navy anchor, Artillery cannons. On the south side are Calvary crossed sabers, and Infantry crossed rifles. A farmer, blacksmith, mason, student, carpenter, and African-American male breaking the chains of bondage are located in niches on the towers. Each tower is topped by a finial of a bronze angel, one playing a trumpet, the other cymbals.

On the southeast side a tablet is inscribed:

IN HONOR

OF THE MEN OF HARTFORD

WHO SERVED

AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FELL

ON LAND AND ON SEA

IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION

THEIR GRATEFUL TOWNSMEN

HAVE RAISED THIS MEMORIAL

On the southwest side a tablet is inscribed:

DURING THE CIVIL WAR

1861-1865

MORE THAN 4,000 MEN OF HARTFORD

BORE ARMS IN THE NATIONAL CAUSE

NEARLY 400 OF WHOM

DIED IN THE SERVICE

-----

ERECTED 1885

-----

GEORGE KELLER, ARCHITECT          CASPER BUBERL & SAMUEL KITSON SCULPTORS

Sculptures of Chesterwood: Andromeda - Stockbridge, MA

Andromeda

Chesterwood

Stockbridge, MA

N42 17.108 W73 21.173

Short Description:

Andromeda was the last sculpture by Daniel Chester French (April 20, 1850 – October 7, 1931). He died before it was finished and it was never publicly shown. Copies of Andromeda are located both in the studio and the barn gallery of Chesterwood, French's summer residence at 4 Williamsville, Road in Stockbridge, MA.

Long Description:

The marble sculpture of  Andromeda depicts a life size nude figure, lying on her back with shackles on her wrists and chained to a rock.  The copies of the sculpture ares located in the center of the Studio and in the Barn Gallery at Chesterwood.

In Greek mythology, Andromeda was the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia. To save his kingdom from the sea monster, Cetus, sent by Poseidon, Cepheus was advised by the Oracle of Apo1lo  to sacrifice Andromeda to the sea monster by chaining her to a rock on the coast. However the Greek hero Perseus saved Andromeda from the sea monster and then they married.