Ralph King: Something We Don't Need... Elmer Flick statue...

A post from King's Right Site by Bedford resident Ralph King:

visit King's Right Site at-- http://kingsrightsite.blogspot.com/2007/01/something-we-dont-need.html

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Something We Don't Need...

Elmer Flick statue - Tribute to Hall of Famer may dig in on Broadway
Thursday, January 11, 2007 Robert Nozar Bedford Sun Banner

Bedford Today is Elmer Flick's birthday and the proposed statue honoring the Bedford native and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame moved closer to reality last week.
If and when the statue is finally cast and sculpted, it could find a home where Columbus and Center roads run into Broadway Avenue.

That is the location favored by Mayor Dan Pocek and City Manager Bob Reid, and they said several members of City Council prefer that spot over a site on Bedford Commons.

But the task of raising the $51,470 for the projectis not done. So far, enough money has been raised for a clay maquette from which a full-size sculpture will be modeled. Jim Wagner, the chair of the Elmer Flick Statue Committee, said he has heard from donors who have pledged a total of $20,000 for the project. "We are working hard to find other donors, we're making many calls," he said.

Flick played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1898-1901), the Philadelphia Athletics (1902) and the Cleveland Naps (1902-1910).

He was born in Bedford on Jan. 11, 1876, and died here Jan. 9, 1971. Flick was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., in 1963.

Wow! $51,000 dollars for something we don't need here in Bedford. The Location they are proposing is right at the beginning of our Downtown Historical District. Even done tastefully, It will clash with the downtown decor.

We pride ourselves on preserving history here in Bedford, this is not something we need! We have many historic landmarks and buildings already. Cooperating with the local groups to maintain, enhance and bring awareness to the historical assets we have is more important than a statue. No disrespect to Mr. Flick or his family, but we have a baseball field already named after him.

King