Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1906-06-08
MEAo's "REcoRDINe ANGEL"
II Was First Fashioned In Marble Under
Commission from Congressman Long
worth's Grandfather.

COMMISSION from congressman Long
worth's Grandfather.
At the time Of the marriage Of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's daughter to Congressman
Longworth 1t was recalled by one or two
OF the older Brattleboro residents that
at the time when Larkin G. Mead, the
sculptor, first came to public notice by
modelling the Recording Angel in snow,
a Mr. Longworth Of Cincinnati had order
ed copy Of the figure to be made in mar
Die, but none of the details could be learn
ed letter in regard to this was therefore
addressed to Mr.. Mead in Florence, Italy,
and 1t brought from Mr.. Mead the state
ment in answer that the account given
by Prof. r. H. Mather, then Of Amherst
college, in newspaper letter written by
him at the time was correct. In this
letter Prof. Mather recalled Mr.. Meads
early studies in New York and his return
to Brattleboro, boy not yet 81, to make
a start for himself. The letter then con-
tinues:
He had been home but a short time,
when, on New Years eve, he went to a
fork of the road a little above his
fathers house, and In a couple of hours
made most beautiful image of a Re-
cording Angel. He represented her a lit
tie larger than life, in loose, flowing robe,
holding in her left hand a tablet, while
the right was half extended as though
Sne just Inaue the record the year.
The night was very cold, so that the
snow, put on soft by the aid of a water
ing pot, froze Immediately, and in the
morning the statue was as clear and
perfect as though just cut from alabaster.
Among those who saw 1t was Mr.. Beach,
proprietor of the New York Sun, who
was so delighted with II that he wrote
IN account of 1t and of the artist for his
journal. The article fell under the eye
| of Mr. Longworth, the wealthy and gen.
erous Cincinnatian, who, with his char
| acterlstic regard for young men, wrote
the youthful sculptor that he wanted
him to put this snow image, half size,
into Vermont marble for him. and en-
| closed him a handsome draft as a vouch-
er. When Mr.. Mead had finished It he
wrote Mr.. Longworth that It awaited his
order. Mr.. Longworth replied that he
wished him to take 1t to Washington and
that the Hon. Mr.. Groesbeck of Ohio
| would receive him and see that ne had
a suitable place in the capital to exhibit
| II. Mr.. Mead was received with every
| courtesy at Washington, and found that
| with Mr.. Longworth to manipulate, II
was about as good place to find fame
as any quarter of the globe. After 9
fortnight at the capital, he wrote Mr.
Longworth that the statue had beer
sufficiently exhibited and begged to for
ward 1t to him. Mr.. Longworth replied
mo. dispose of 1t by rattle tickets" a
favorlte method in Congress. And nov
for the strangest part OF the story
Among the most ardent admirers Of the
statue was little girl, niece and ware
of wealthy gentleman of Washington
When she heard II was to be raffied FOL
her excitement and Importantly wer'
such that her uncle purchased tickle
for her and 1t drew the coveted prize"
In concluding his letter which convey
this information Mr.. Mead says: II ma.
come over with Mrs. Mead some day 4
see old friends in Brattleboro and g
fishing in Chesterfield lake" We all hop
| thew will come.