Elk (sculpture)

Elk

The sculpture in 2006
Elk
Location in Portland, Oregon
Artist Roland Hinton Perry
Year 1900 (1900)
Type Sculpture
Material Bronze
Subject Elk
Location Portland, Oregon, United States
Coordinates 45°30′57″N 122°40′39″W / 45.515721°N 122.677485°W / 45.515721; -122.677485Coordinates: 45°30′57″N 122°40′39″W / 45.515721°N 122.677485°W / 45.515721; -122.677485

Elk, also known as the David P. Thompson Monument,[1] Elk Fountain or the Thompson Elk,[2] is an outdoor fountain and bronze sculpture by American artist Roland Hinton Perry, located in the Plaza Blocks in downtown Portland, Oregon, in the United States.

Description and history

The Elk is located at Southwest Main between 3rd and 4th Avenues, between Chapman Square and Lownsdale Square in Portland's Plaza Blocks. It was donated by former Portland mayor David P. Thompson in 1900 to commemorate the elk that once lived in the area.[2]

The project was completed within a budget of $20,000 under the direction of designer E.G. Wright. Constructed of Barre Granite, the fountain design specified a 25 feet (7.6 m) diameter and 8 feet (2.4 m) high base.[3] Wright had planned to complete the monument in time for a Fourth of July dedication to coincide with a city street carnival, but delays from removing nearby trees, widening Main Street, and connecting city water pipe forced Wright to delay completion of the monument. The 6,800 pounds (3,100 kg) Elk was lifted into position in late August, and the Thompson Fountain was finished the first week of September 1900.[4] A carnival sponsored by the Portland Elks Club began that week, and The Oregonian informed its readers, "this is not a carnival elk."[5] According to the city, the Exalted Order of Elks refused to dedicate it because they considered the statue "a monstrosity of art."[6]

See also

References

  1. "Elk, (sculpture).". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  2. 1 2 "Fountains in Parks: SW Portland". City of Portland, Oregon. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  3. "D.P. Thompson's Gift to Portland". The Oregonian (Portland: Henry Pittock). January 1, 1900. p. 23. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  4. "Boys Can't Keep Away". The Oregonian (Portland: Henry Pittock). September 5, 1900. p. 8. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  5. "This Is not a Carnival Elk". The Oregonian (Portland: Henry Pittock). August 20, 1900. p. 5. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  6. Portland Parks & Recreation: Lownsdale Square

External links

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