The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-09-14

tSetCileT Oh dII ana clay MOQeIlnS IN our
public schools. He impressed all with
whom he came in contact with his in
teresting artistic temperament, as well
as his honesty and earnestness in
everything pertaining to his profess
sion. More than one of the successful
artists of today look back and ac-
knowledge with gratitude that they
owe much of that success to his ear
nest work and example. And it would
require the fingers and thumbs of both
hands to count up these same young
artists, yet scarce a single one Of them
remain in this city. There seemed
nothing for them here and they wan
dered away to distant fields of labor
and study.
About six years ago Mr.. Okerberg
left st. Paul. He has spent nearly all
of that time in Europe, much of dtsin
Italy. In the grand cathedrals, among
the beautiful churches, the art mu-
seums and collections of such cities as
Florence, Rome. Munich and many 9TH
sers both Mr.. Okerberg and his talent
ed wife fround what they sought, beau
tiful and artistic creations on every
side.
Gets Commission.
They returned to this city last June,
expecting to remain only fer short
visit. but a number Of commissions
were offered him, so he opened a
studio to fill some of these orders -be-
fore returning. Among the most i'm
portant of these is one being executed
for Joseph Elsinger, of this city. This
gentleman wished to rear some mopu-
ment fitting to the memory of a loved
mother. And how he could do that bet
ter than helping the homeless child
and rendering the home beautiful? So
he gave literally to the Children's
Home society and also an order to Mr..
Okerberg for mantelpiece for the new
building now in process of construc-
ton. The clay model already shows
that it will be a beautiful piece of work,
it being entirely Mr.. Okerberg's con-
ception. Some idea of it's majestic pro-
portions can be gained when known
that it will be aboJA eleven feet in
height by eight feet wide. 1t is of the
Elizabetha Renaissance period, and
even in the clay model, gives promise
of great beauty, united with simplicity.
Just above the fireplace, in the center
of the grand upper piece, will be a
marble bust, somewhat larger than life
size, of her to whom the piece is dedi-
Gated And the serene, motherly face
adds to the beauty Of the whole. AT
the sides are supporting pillars, and
underneath the bust, a shield with an
appropriate inscription craven upon it.
The ornaments will be few and simple,
and in keeping with the whole design.
Mill oJe Ln NJ nh
dren in relief This splendid piece of
work when completed, will be placed in
the assembly hall of the new home,
where it will remain as a lasting mon
ument to her who inspired it, to the
generosity of Mr.. Elsinger to the home,
and also a reminder of the talented art
list, Mr.. Knut Okerberg.
Wishing to learn something more of
an institution that interests every citi-
zen, and especially of the new home,
the construction of which has Just been
entered on, a call was made on Rev
Mr. Savage, who said practically, "The
Childerns Home Society of Minnesota
has been struggling along doing the
best we could for the little homeless
ones brought to our notice. We have
been hampered for lack of funds, lack
of sympathy with our work sometimes,
and all that But thanks to a few gen.
erous hearts, the future looks brighter
for US.
Praise for Mr.. EIsineer.
'In this respect, Joseph Elsinger is
entitled to a very high place in our re-
gard, for he has not only contributed
literally in money, but by his donation
of valuable lots, has furnished us
site for our new home. He has also
interested many others in the good
work, as his enthusiasm was Of the
catching kind. Our new home will be
located on the line of the Como inter-
urban, at Dooley avenue. There are
two lots, one ESQ feet by 200 feet in
depth, on Dooley, the second one SO
feet on the Como line and $50 feet deep,
connecting with the main lot. This
SITE as it was before we commenced
work upon it was worth $4,000 at a
low estimate.
eve intended to be very conserva-
tive as to the cost Of our building, but
when we applied for the permit we
found we were within the city fire
limits, so must comply with that law,
and make the building according to the
requirement = fireproof. This, Of
course, added to the cost.
There will be two main stories be-
side basement and attic, containing in
all about twenty-five rooms, and VIII
be neat, substantial brick building
with healthful, pleasant location. The
main building will be SS feet long by
40 wide, with the modern improve
ments, of course, and will cost about
$4,000. And where does this society
get such large sum with which to
erect such building upon the site
donated by Mr. ElSinger?
The elevator descended and the door
was pushed back with clang. A
business man and a delicate looking
boy appeared to be the only ones de-
string to go up at the moment. The
boy running the machine knew where
the man wished to stop. He noticed
how delicate and shrinking the lad
seemed, so said roughly. Ess
Where We goin'?'
sixth floor, please" the lad an
aWered politely ..