People's Pilot, Volume 2, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1893 — GIVEN TO CHICAGO. [ARTICLE]

GIVEN TO CHICAGO.

The Kretchmar Statue of Columbus Unveiled on the Lake Front. CHICAGO, April 26. —The bronze statue of Columbus, the work of Howard Kretchmar, the well-known sculptor, erected in Lake Front park, just opposite Congress street, was unveiled at 3 p. m. The ceremonies were simple. Mr. Kretchmar delivered the statue and pedestal to the committee appointed by the board of directors of the World’s Columbian exposition in a short address. Director-General Davis, representing the board, then delivered it to Ferdinand W. Peck, acting president, who on behalf of the World's Columbian exposition formally presented it to the city of Chicago, the address of acceptance being made by Mayor Harrison. The statue is bronze, 20 feet high; the pedestal is 30 feet high and the base stands 8 feet above the level of the lake. It is said to be the largest bronze statue in the country, weighing fifteen tons. It is an impressive representation of Columbus; showing the emotion and surprise which he experienced on the eventful morning when he sighted land.