Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-07-07
THE CLAY MONUMENT AT porrsvrLLE.

The Inauguration Of the Clay monument
at Pottsville on the 4th of July inst, will be
one of the great events Of that place and
will attract thitber large concourse Of peo-
pie. We are indebted to the committe for
an invitation to be present on this interesting
occasion, but which engagements nearer
home prevent us from accepting. This is
said to be the only monument of Henry Clay
in the United States and reflects great credit
on our enterprising neighbours Of Pottsville.
The corner stone of the monument was laid
on the 26th of July 1852. The Statue is of
cast iron, Is feet high and was executed by
Robert Wood of Philadelphia. 1t was ex-
hibited on column in Spring Garden Street,
Philadelphia, for some months last year. -
Those familiar with the face or portrait of the
great Statesman, will readily recognise his
features in the statue. H
The Orator Of the day will he the Hon
Chas. Gibbons of Phila. Gov. Pollock and
others will deliver addresses. The cost of
the monument, when finished is between
$1,000 and SS.OOO.
We extract the following description and
details from the Miners journal:
The Iron column, of Grccian Doric architec-
ture, rests upon a substantial granite base ol
two steps, the whole resting upon terraced
walk, feet wide, Of conglomerate stoue. The
entire stone work composing the base of tho
column is Is feet in height, and is composed
of material taken from our own mountains
The column, which was designed by Mr. Frank
Hewson, was cast in sections to the number
Of eight Each section is 5 feet. 3 inches in
height, and rests on its fellow beneath on in
side fanges, bolted firmly together The to-
| tai height Of the cast iron portion of the col
umn is 81 feet the extreme height from the
lower portion Of the base, &c feet height OF
steps of base above sidewalk in Centre Street
73 feet total height from Centre Street side
walk to foot of statue, l24 feet. The total
weight of the castings, (the column and stat
ue.) of the Monument, is 45l tons.
The statue which by the way is Is feet in
height, and weighs between and tons, is
the work of Mr.. Robert Wood of Philada
and Notwithstanding it is the first colossal
iron casting of the description ever executed
in this country, is in our opinion, remarkably
fine. both in form and feature. The features
of the statue are life like and expressive, and
can be easily recognized as a correct repre-.
sentation of Mr. Clay's face, even from the
depot Of the Reading Rail Road Company
several hundred feet distant. The attitude
will be readily recognized by those who have
enjoyed the privilege Of witnessing Mr.. Clay
in the United States Senate, while the States
man addressed that body.
The inscription on the stone facing east, is
as follows:
IN HONOR OF HENRY CLAY,
This monument is erected by the citizens Of Scuykil
County, and bequenthCd to their Children
RECORD GRATITUDE
For his ilusrious services which brought peace pros
perity and glory to his country
| TRIBUTE ADMIRATION
For the virtues which adorned useful life, and 70
his imperishable name, the respect and
| affection of mankind
The inscription upon the stone facing
north, as follows:
HENRY CLAY,
In Hanover County, Virginia, Aplii H. III.
|