The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-11-06
How ,he work was Dome.

UlOn Oh Une metnOu Oh mOueInS anu erecting
the statue from which we make the follow
ing extracts:
The design and modelling for the statue
itself was work of vast labor. A prelim-
mary study model, seven feet high was ex-
ecuted by the sculptor, Auguste Frederic
Bartholdi, and, having been approved by
him, another, four times the size, was pre-
pared. This was very carefully studied
and remodeled, and was then divided into
great number of sections, each of which
was marked with distinguishing figure or
number.
The exact form of the statue was now
settled, and the sculptor proceeded to con-
struct models of the moulds upon which
the copper casing or envelope which forms
the entire exterior Of the statue should be
shaped
Each section was then very carefully en-
larged again to four times the size, and
rough frames were prepared and lathed
over to conform somewhat to the shape of
the section. Upon these the sculptor pre-
pared his plastered models.
This was done in specially constructed
Co., in Paris, the enlargement being carried
out with geometrical precision by means of
a number of wires and leads attached to
the pieces, from which measurements were
taken off with compasses, each section re-
quiring some 5000 separate measurements.
AS the models were completed, carpen-
ters were employed to make wooden models
htyp Of r1la
laid close together and cut out in silhouettes.
Upon these the copper was moulded by
blows from mallets, assisted by levers; the
fine finishing touches being given with
small hammers and hammers. Sheets of
lead pressed upon the model were employed
to assist in the moulding of the copper.
Iron braces, to be used in uniting the
plates of copper with the main supporting
truss, were next forged and fitted to the
form of copper, and the sections were then
carried to the yard and fixed in their places
on the frame.
THE SUPPORTING FRAMEWORK.
The supporting frame consists of four
massive angle iron corner posts, united by
horizontal angle pieces, dividing it into
panels, which are strengthened by steel
struts and braces, arranged diagonally, and
side extensions are provided to approach |
more closely to the contour of the figure.
The smaller frames supporting. the head
and the extended arm of the figure are of
lighter construction than the main frame,
but are arranged on the same plan. The
whole of this trusswork was designed and
executed by the consulting engineer, NJ
Eiffel On completion of the figure it was
taken to pieces and shipped to America.
THE PEDESTAL.
The pedestal, as erected from the designs
of Mr.. Richard NJ Hunt, the architect, is
very successful in point of size and general
appearance.
The foundation is solid concrete base,
so feet 10 inches high, 80 feet square at
the bottom and Go feet at the top, and
is built upon a soil composed of stiff clay,
gravel and powders, to the terrace level
where the pedestal proper begins. This is
probably the largest solid block of concrete
in the world Through the centre is
well hole or shaft 10 feet square, with four
arched spaces at the bottom leading there
from.
Surrounding the concrete base is turned
concrete arch about 3 feet 6 inches thick,
and having chord span of 40 feet. This
supports the grass mould covered over it
to form slope around the base, and it
also supports the four flights of steps lead
ing to the terrace.
Upon the concrete base is erected the
pedestal proper, which is constructed of
granite, with concrete backing.
ERECTING THE STATUE.
The work of connecting and holding the |
statue by its framework to the pedestal
was accomplished in the following manner,
from the designs of General Charles P.
Stone, Chief Engineer, under whose super
intendence the work was carried out :
Across the top of the pedestal are placed
six plate girders, arranged in two sets of
three each, and Immediately beneath these
are two similar sets crossing at right angles |
at points exactly under the vertical corner
posts of the supporting frame, to which
they are united by three bolts 81 inches in
diameter. The plate girders are "a feet
feet long, and extending across the well
hole or shaft, which is 26 feet 6 inches
square, having bearing at each end of 3
feet 8 inches. The girders are feet deep, |
and are built of inch web-plate, and
inches by inches by inches angle iron.
At depth of little over 60 feet below
is arranged second and similar system of
girders Al feet long. These girders are
of the same thickness of iron as those
above, but are only three feet deep, and
are arranged two in set. The two sys-
TENS of Orders are joined by four sets of
eye bars consisting each of four bars four
inches wide and one and one-eighth inches
thick placed close to the side of the walls
of the shaft, and are prolonged to join the
main frame at the top of the first or second
panels.
PUTTING THE COPPER CASTING ON.
The supporting frame having been erect
ed upon the pedestal, the copper casing had
then to be fixed in position. These copper
plates are about 1882 of an inch in thick
ness, and were marked with figures as a
guide in the re-erection of the figure.
In fixing each section the piece required
was protected by wooden frame or cover
ing and raised by means of rope attached
to a derrick and engine, to the platform
built around the top of the pedestal. From
thence it was carried to the place where it
belonged as indicated by the marks upon
it, and it was then riveted to the adjoining
plate and to the braces connecting it to the
main frame The work is carried up in
courses in such manner that the weight of
each section is directly transmitted to the
frame, being Independent of the plates ad-
joining it,
HOW THE STATUE is sTIFFENED.
The copper plates are rendered rigid by
being stiffened with iron bars inch by 2
inches, bent to conform closely to the curves
in the copper, to which they are fastened
by copper bands, whose ends are rievted to
the casing forming a close network ofbracing
covering and strengthening the whole
statue. The effect is to transmit pressure
of wind and ether forces acting on the thin
outer copper through the various struts and
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