a statue in the street?

yes, a statue in the street. this would be general palmer.... the founder of our city... it was a nice day today and i was stopped at the intersection where this statue and memorial is located, so decided to snap it before the light turned. i've always been fascinated with the story of why it was they put it up in a major intersection - with traffic and potentail for accidents, it is a hazard.

turns out as much as it is controversial today, it was back in 1929 too when it was finally finished and getting ready to find a home to honor general palmer. the proposed intersection was suggested as the top favorite due to its view of pikes peak. although by the early 1920's auto usage had increased and there was actually an auto club that had formed in town siting concern over safety issues, a public vote sealed the decision for the location.... it had been a favorite spot of the general.

fortunately for him, he's never had to maneuver his way around the spot. drivers are never clear what they're supposed to do when it comes to turning and driving around the thing. true....it's a rather nice bronze statue, elegant in its own right.... however, it's an eyesore in the middle of the city, better off moved if it could be. not going to happen soon from the city's perspective as it is cost prohibitive, set in 20 tons of concrete and fastened to the street by two iron prongs.

so the statue in the street is here to stay....

happy monday.....