Pewter figurines to help finance large Norris sculpture

Monday, April 9, 2007

To coincide with McCook's 125th Birthday celebration, award-winning sculptors Gary Ginther and Jon Leitner have been commissioned by the George W. Norris Foundation to create a bronze sculpture of "The Fighting Statesman" to be placed in close proximity to the George Norris Home on Norris Avenue in McCook. To help fund this life-size bronze sculpture, 200 small replicas (approximately 3 inches by 4 inches) will be cast in pewter and available for purchase for $125. $100 of the purchase price will be directed to the George W. Norris Foundation for funding of the sculpture. The public has a chance to express appreciation by participating in the sculpture fund drive through the purchase of these pewter replicas.

According to Duane Tappe, site manager for the Norris Home, Sen. Norris dedicated his entire life serving his country. In an article published by the late James C. Olson in the spring 1993 issue of Nebraska Humanities, "Norris was best-known (within Nebraska) for his role in the creation of the Unicameral Legislature and for the promotion of Nebraska's public power and irrigation projects." However, Olson also states that "George Norris was no mere local representative, running errands and doing favors for his constituents. He was a national visionary, a national doer." Because of George Norris' love of the city of McCook, his home and all of its contents were donated to the Nebraska State Historical Society by the Norris family in the late 1960s.

To purchase one of the limited edition pewter replicas, please complete a printed order form, available at McCook National Bank, or contact Duane Tappe at (308) 345-8484 for more information.

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