Statue of Liberty replica headed to Wolf Lake

Font Size:

BY DAN HINKEL
dhinkel@nwitimes.com
219.933.4183 | Tuesday, August 05, 2008 | (53 comment(s))

HAMMOND | The Statue of Liberty stands for freedom, democracy, New York City and immigrants' hope for a new life in the United States.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. hopes by next Fourth of July the pale green lady also will inspire thoughts of his favorite municipality.

"I have a feeling that this is going to be something that Hammond will be known for for a long time," McDermott said.

The 130-foot Griffith-born hard foam Statue Of Liberty replica will shine a slightly smaller version of liberty's light from Wolf Lake by next Independence Day if city plans run on schedule, McDermott said. Beryl Martin Co. built the 50,000-pound replica for a convention in St. Louis, and Hammond won an inter-community struggle to be the statue's future home, McDermott said.

Company owner Frank Brummett will donate the statue to Hammond, and the city will furnish the statue's base and lighting, McDermott said.

The replica will face Calumet Avenue drivers, while drivers on the Indiana Toll Road will behold liberty's giant green behind. McDermott tried at a meeting Monday to impress Hammond residents of the statue's size.

"This is massive. The toenail is disgustingly huge," he said.

Robertsdale resident Carolyn Kruszynski called the statue "the coolest thing."

McDermott could not give an estimated price tag for the statue's installation and upkeep. He said Hammond officials started working Sunday on plans to have the statue in place in 11 months.

"I think we can do it," McDermott said.

Back to story 53 comment(s)

Please note: Comments from readers will be screened and may not be posted immediately. If you don't see your comment perhaps:

It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
It promoted violence or illegal acts.
It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.

In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.

Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.

Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.

If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.

For more information please read our Terms of Service.

race wrote on Sep 15, 2008 3:50 PM:

" OK so lemme get this right....we gonna spend 27,000 plus bucks on a STUDY to see if its feasible, then another God alone knows how much to erect and maintain the bloody thing, and all of this at a time when we are losing our jobs, vehicles, homes and futures in an economic downturn that threatens to become a depression, while our property taxes are SKYROCKETTING into the stratosphere...
...what do YOU think is wrong with THIS PICTURE???? "

uh-huh wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:03 AM:

" What happens when the gangbangers decide to use it for target practice? "

Question wrote on Aug 25, 2008 4:15 PM:

" When will the FAA's airspace study be complete on this structure so as to ensure that this statue doesn't impact current flight operations at Gary or MDW - or future developments at the Gary/Chicago Int'l Airport since they're lengthening their runway in the very near future. After all, this statue is between Gary and Midway, and will be in the approach of Gary's main Runway 12 (5.9 miles) and though not a big deal, in Midway's RWY 31's (14 miles plus/minus). "

Fred Moore wrote on Aug 19, 2008 4:03 PM:

" I had the opportunity to stand at the foot of his remarkable statue while it was part of the YTB Convention in St. Louis. Mayor McDermott is doing the right thing. As for Lady Liberty, she is gorgeous and Hammond is lucky to have her. As for where she goes and which way she faces, it just doesn't matter. "

Rick wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Seriously though, why place a 50,000 pound statue on a slag island?
This ought to be somewhere you want to draw people to - like the downtown. It would be in scale with tall buildings in downtown Hammond and would be seen for miles south on Hohman Ave if it is placed directly north of the rotunda fountain where Goldblatts used to be. "

Wonderful Idea wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:36 PM:

" I love the idea of the Statue in our city. The S of L is a symbol of our freedom and unity of the USA. To have a replica in the great City of Hammond would be a great honor. Fight for it Mr. McDermott bring that beauty to Robertsdale! "

CP wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:00 PM:

" I'm surprised by the outrage, I think a dead town like Hammond could use something like this. I guess you think people want to come see the stinky mayonaise factory......oh that's right you have that beautiful casino. Get over yourselves, seems like a nice attempt at tourism. Just like Cabela's, these are attempts to turn your dead city around. "

NYyankee wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:53 PM:

" How about building a replica of Manhatten right on the island to along with the statue complete with world trade center bldgs. Now we're talkin tacky, would be perfect for Hammond. "

Location wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:52 PM:

" Maybe Toms neighbors on Knickerbocker Parkway would like on their parkway?? How about it!! There is always CABALAS!! "

Roy Biggins wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:25 PM:

" I can't believe this mayor wants to put this tacky statue in the middle of Wolf Lake. There's already a misuse of this lake with that annual event known as Festival of the Lakes. Hey Tom, there's one Statue of Liberty...it's in New York Harbor. Please don't put up a cheap immitation of one of our most cherished national treasures on a landfill. I guarantee you'll never live this one down. "

Whose Face wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Take a close look, its toms face on the Statue of Liberty!! "

Milwaukee Clipper wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:51 PM:

" His dad had the Milwaukee Clipper, now he will have the Statue of Liberty. "

Robertsdale Res wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:32 PM:

" Maybe the statue can be modified so it looks like it is mooning the drivers on the toll road. This thing will look obscene in the middle of wolf lake! We can call it the monument to fiscal irresponsibility. I'm sure it will provide every vandalism-loving juevenile a new creative outlet to target. "

Local resident wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:26 PM:

" I guess Mayor McDermott doesnt want to be Mayor of Hammond any more. Otherwise why would he do something so stupid. I live near the lake. We have no library, no indoor recreation facility, and a mayor not interested in what the community wants. He only wants to have his mayor nights out where he bullies the public. You can criticize Dedelow for a lot of things, but he always listened to the community before he acted (although he didn't always do what we suggested). The current mayor has no advisory commitees or meaningful input meetings. McDermott has shown time and time again that he just doesnt care what the people of Robertsdale think. "

I can see it now wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:14 AM:

" I can visualize the gang graffiti already. I give it less than 6 months and it will be covered with tags. Nice job McMoron. "

Sorry NO BUSES wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:53 AM:

" What do we need buses for?

I thought we have to cut $2 million by 2009 but we can build a base and maintain a styrofoam statue?

TOM MCDIMWIT JR., "THE RIGHT PRIORITIES" (you tell me) "

Hammond Res. wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:47 AM:

" You’re a Joke Mayor Tom McDermott. A joke to all the other mayors in the region. Let's put up a foam Eifel Tower and foam London Bridge. "

if you want to see the Statue of Liberty wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:57 AM:

" Go to New York for god sakes. This is a bad idea for the natural beauty of the area. I don't think a Statue will go well in the middle of the lake. Why don't you find nice city park to put it in. "

Sick wrote on Aug 12, 2008 5:50 AM:

" Look at this crap. I can not believe that the MAYOR is wanting to waste the tax payers money on this thing. Hey he is following in the footsteps of Dedlow. Look at the piece of junk he put in downtown Hammond. That so called piece of art. It is an eyesore. HEY MAYOR, how about getting the money for the health Dept. Or maybe the Bus System. or do u really give a care. "

R U KIDDING ME wrote on Aug 9, 2008 10:29 PM:

" COME ON GRIFFITH FOLKS..OR DON'T YOU WANT IT? WOW.. "

The Real Boy Scout wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:22 PM:

" I have been on the island, and camped on it several times. The island was originally a garbage dump where garbage was trucked to, dumped, and burned. The island is entirely made of broken glass and some dirt. There is no way that the statue will ever remain standing on the island. If the city wants to put it on the island, they will need an entirely new island, otherwise, it will look like planet of the apes, or the day after tomorrow, and all that will remain after 10 years, or less, is the right arm, torch, and head. "

Jennifer wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:26 PM:

" I live in Robertsdale, take a walk around the lake twice daily for exercise, and I'm disgusted about this. Aren't there better ways for the city to spend taxpayers' money? To the poster who suggested that I not like it if I don't look at it, it'll be impossible not to see where I live whether I want to or not.

If this goes through, the Mayer has certainly lost my vote at the next election. What a tacky, hideous way to waste money. "

ur kidding wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:59 PM:

" how many illegal immigrants will get to look at it everyday, knowing the will never get citizenship "

Please dont do this Mayor McDermott. wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:43 PM:

" I've lived in Robertsdale all of my life. I live in a teeny home in a heavily industrial area with more than it's fair share of crime, gangs, and just plain angry people. All I have left is a scrap of dignity and now you're taking that away from me and turning my home into a total joke. Now my neighborhood will be known as the home of the giant, Styrofoam, fake Statue of Liberty. We'll end up a entry in books on tacky roadside tourist stops, alongside the Giant Ball of Twine or the World's Largest Statue of Mary. "

to you know wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:50 AM:

" I will have to look at this statue everyday - will you? I really don't have an issue of Hammond putting up the statue - but let's find a place that is more appropriate. Our natural resources are more important to preserve and are part of what draw people to Wolf Lake and the surrounding area. I also protest to the money that will be spent to maintain and light it, when the schools in Robertsdale are overcrowded and in need of assistance. "

Robertsdale wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:02 PM:

" Is that a styrofoam cervasas she's holding welcoming all the boat people to Hammond? This idea is inconsistent
with the restoration thats ongoing at the lake. What sort of native habitat is the statue? "

You Know wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:59 PM:

" all you negative posters, get off it already. This is a really nice thing not only for Hammond, but, the entire region. Get over it. "

Larry wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:09 PM:

" Wow - "The Indiana Toll Road drivers will behold Liberty's giant green behind." What a site! "

Tell Me... wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:01 PM:

" Who needs a health department or public transit when we can land a big foam Statue of Liberty? This is just wasteful and tacky. I agree with Hammond Guy, this is like The Onion.

And yes, I do love America. And the Statue of Liberty. The copper one. In New York Harbor. That is inspirational. This is just sad. "

Abif wrote on Aug 5, 2008 5:48 PM:

" Close the Health Dept. Hammond can't afford it!
Shut down the bus system! It costs too much!
Raise the tax rate! We can't run a city with out it!
But show us a fake Statue of Liberty, and we'll find the money to get it!

Signed,
Your Democrats "

Tom wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:53 PM:

" I think this is dumbfounded on the idea of having the statue here. Reason being is that if the city has no funds to keep the health dept. and the hammond transit how is the mayor planning to pay for this statue. Granted it blesssing but lets think realistic we need other thing instead of a staute. "

H Resident wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:08 PM:

" I think Hammond is a good place for it. This is one of the most culturally diverse cities in NWI. "

waste of cash wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:07 PM:

" wait till it gets all ratty and faded-it is foam-no real repair there. it will just add to the ghetto flair.
what about the efforts ir restoring wolf lake to its former glory? spend your money on that. now there will be chunks of the statue or liberty floating around wolf lake? "

J M Miller wrote on Aug 5, 2008 3:54 PM:

" What does Wolf Lake and the Statue of Liberty have to do with each other?

Really? Another gimmick from Mayor P.T. McDermott "

Hammond Guy wrote on Aug 5, 2008 3:43 PM:

" Ever get the feeling you are reading "THE ONION" every time an article regarding local politicians' new brilliant ideas is printed??? "

disgusted in robertsdale wrote on Aug 5, 2008 1:33 PM:

" Okay I understand the beauty of the Status of Liberty and its significance but come on! First the city puts up a white fence obsuring the beautiful view of Wolf Lake, then it adds more docks for boat traffic and now a statue in the middle of the lake. What happened to restoring Wolf Lake and preserving it as a natural habitat? The beauty of the Lake is slowly being commercialized and is taking away from the serenity of the area. After all we have to look at all the industry surrounding us can't we leave the lake alone! "

Nice Job wrote on Aug 5, 2008 1:19 PM:

" Very nice job Mayor and a great idea. Not many places that could mimic Ellis Island around our area. My only question is if this thing is made of styrafoam type material how is it going to withstand the winds we get near the lake? "

LIFELONG Hammond Resident wrote on Aug 5, 2008 1:14 PM:

" Anyone that has something negative to say about this is just a sad and pessimistic individual.

It is an honor for Hammond and Mayor McDermott to accept this wonderful gift. Thank you Mayor McDermott for your persistance and faith in continually making Hammond a better place to live. "

ol Crackpot wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Can we please have it in next year's Pieorgi Fest Parade first, before it goes to it's permanent home? PPLLEEEEZZZEE? Think how cool that would be...something like "Ghostbusters 2". I hope that it won't sink into Wolf Lake...think how that would impact the area. Then again; with the way things are going it might be appropriate. "

Steph wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:48 AM:

" This is about as tacky as the Horseshoe Casino sign. "

HUH wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:49 AM:

" If this is placed on the island - Boy Scout Island - won't it damage a "disgustingly huge" portion of the habitat there?!? This just sounds wierd and unnecessary to me. "

Dont copy instead wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:05 AM:

" What do you suggest instead? A statue of Shep (Jean Shepherd), raising a glass? Or.....better yet, a giant leg lamp rising from the lake a la The Christmas Story? Yeah, that's it! "

Wow wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:53 AM:

" That is REALLY neat! I can't wait to see it!

To the person that wrote the negative copy comment - THIS IS A TREASURE, ENJOY IT! IT WILL BE A GREAT REMINDER TO EVERY ONE OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM. "

Whiting Patriot wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:38 AM:

" I think this will be so fantastic. The island on Wolf lake would be a perfect setting and location for Lady Liberty.
God Bless America and Lady Liberty!! "

Silas wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:14 AM:

" Stop telling lies they have not been awarded the statue to be put in that sewer! "

Are you kidding me wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:09 AM:

" Ahhh nothing says freedom more than lady libery beaming over Wolf Lake!!

Whats next, the Eiffel Tower in Munster? A mini Great Wall of China in Highland?

I might be wrong but seems to me $$$ could be spent better on schools & civic impovements. Hey maybe they can cut the statue into little chunks & fill all the potholes!

Think about wasted time and money that went into this whole thing. Guess there must not be anything else to worry about in Hammond. "

milan wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:55 AM:

" is boy scout island gonna be the next ellis island. the hub for illegal immigration "

City of the Apes wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:24 AM:

" Charelton Heston would be proud. I'm surprised they haven't figured out how to make it rotate once each hour and put a restaurante at the top. And, we could make it the 19th hole for the lost marsh golf course!!! "

Patriot wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:17 AM:

" HAMMOND INDIANA should be honored that a internationally regonized icon is going to be donated to the city. It seems that the leaders are but some of it's narrowminded citizens are not. "

The name is USA wrote on Aug 5, 2008 6:43 AM:

" Don't like it? Don't look at it. Problem solved. "

concerned Griffith Property Owner wrote on Aug 5, 2008 6:36 AM:

" With it being made in Griffith - it would have been nice to keep it in Griffith for the future. "

bill wrote on Aug 5, 2008 5:07 AM:

" i think having the statue will be awesome for the city and something positive to be known for. "

The name is Hammond wrote on Aug 5, 2008 2:18 AM:

" This is HAMMOND,INDIANA not New York. We dont need to copy off another city. "

Back to story 53 comment(s)

Post a comment Once your comments are approved, they will appear here.

Marketplace

Sections

Services

Other Publications

Search