BSA Replicas of Statue of Liberty

According to Boy Scouts of America, Troop 101, Cheyenne, Wyoming:
There are over 200 of these replicas in 39 states in the U.S. and several of its possessions and territories.
The project was the brainchild of Kansas City businessman, J.P. Whitaker, who was then Scout Commissioner of
the Kansas City Area Council. The copper statues were manufactured by Friedley-Voshardt Co. (Chicago, IL) and
purchased through the Kansas City Boy Scout office by those wanting one. All were erected in the early 1950's
by Boy Scout troops and others to celebrate Scouting’s 40th anniversary theme, "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty."
The statues are approximately 8 1/2 feet tall without the base, constructed of sheet copper, weigh 290 pounds,
and originally cost $350 plus freight.

(Click on thumbnails to see larger images.)

Mackinac Island, Michigan
On Mackinac Island on Lake Shore Drive by the docks and the Mackinac State Park Visitors Center.
45°51'01.8"N 84°36'55.9"W == 45.8504940N 84.6155132W
photos by Daniel Shunk, 4/14/2022
     
With the faith and courage of their forefathers who made possible the freedom of these United States
the Boy Scouts of America dedicate this replica of the Statue of Liberty as a pledge of everlasting fidelity
and loyalty. 40th anniversary Crusade to Strengthen the Arm of Liberty, 1950.

From the story board:
Saving Lady Liberty. American Legion and DNR partner to restore historic statue.
In 2012, after more than a half-century welcoming visitors to Mackinac Island, local residents called attention
to the deteriorated state of Lady Liberty. The statue’s crown spikes were broken and missing, its surface was dented
and marred, and its base was crumbling. Mackinac Island American Legion Post 299 led the restoration effort, raising
nearly $60,000 to bring Lady Liberty back to glory.
Detroit art conservator Giorgio Gikas and his company Venus Bronze Works Inc. were hired to restore the statue.
Aaron Winberg Masonry from St. Ignace completed the base.
American Legion Post 299 and Post Commander Paul Wandric took up the challenge to restore the statue and began the
fundraising campaign to raise nearly $60,000.
Celebrating a restored Lady Liberty, a rededication was held July 3, 2014, with several hundred in attendance at the ceremony.
Pictured is the Mackinac Island American Legion Color Guard, Post Commander Paul Wandric (6th from the left), Mackinac Island
Mayor, DNR, Parks and Recreation, and the Mackinac Island Honor Guard.
The statue offers to welcome visitors from around the country and the world to Mackinac Island,
while reminding Americans of their hard-fought liberty.

photo by Google Maps Street View, Oct 2014

Back to Statue of Liberty page
Back to Pass Bagger page

© 2022 Randy Bishop
Last modified: April 15, 2022