Recently, I was in Nebraska, for an event that I basically engineeredA month or two ago, I had learned that the New York Times had run an article marking the completion of the carving of the architectural sculpture program at the Nebraska State Capitol, dring the second week of November 1934.
Consequently, with the help primarily of my old high school buddy Lydia Brasch, who lives in rural Nebraska but who also used to work for the State, in the Capitol, like me, she was able to show me the ropes on how to get the State to create an official proclamation to memorialize the event.
The proclamation also notes that Lawrie's sculpture program at the Nebraska State Capitol was his largest commission. In that he was a sculptor for nearly seven decades, that is really significant news for the arts, humanities and culture communities. I feel luck to have discovered this fact, that frankly, had never previously been publicized nor homologated.
I had invited two retired University of Nebraska professors to attend. Dale Gibbs, who is closer to 90 than 80, had written a chapter on Lee Lawrie in a Harmony of the Arts: The Nebraska State Capitol. UN-L Press, copyright 1990. He's the one who really got me fired up over Lawrie's work. He was there and as my Lawrie mentor, it was perfect seeing him. I have added his picture to my book.
The other professor who attended was my Geology professor, William Wayne, under whom I also did a senior research paper on labor unions in Latin America. Wayne is also an octogenarian, who until about 4 years ago, daily rode his bike the mile or so from his beautiful Near South home in Lincon to the University.
Dr. Wayne brought with him a publication of his that discussed the geology in the built environment--stone buildings in Lincoln. One photograph he had included shows the unique construction method Goodhue used. In building the new capitol, which commenced in 1922, Goodhue's genius allowed the old capitol to continue being used while its replacement was being created. The second capitol, built in the late 19th century was falling apart and suffering from all sort of foundation problems, despite being less than 30 years old.
Doctor Wayne had discovered this photograph, taken by Eck F. Schramm, who apparently preferred to use his initials, E.F., (not sure why) long after Schramm had retired from the University. According to Wayne, after Schramm retired, his office was left in tact, as kind of a living meorial to him, for being a groundbreaking geologist.
His papers, which had been stored in his Morrill Hall office were eventually being pitched, when the office had to be vacated to make room for other uses. In reviewing his papers, some of which were apparently desitined for the trash, Dr. Wayne discovered this phtograph. I use it with his permission.
In my entire life, I had never seen this photo before, and I find it truly amazing. I had always known that the present Capitol was indeed, built around the old one before the old one was demolished, but I could never realize the magnificence of this stroke of genius, of Goodhue's, until seeing this photograph.
I told Dr. Wayne that I hope to be as fit and hearty as he is now, when I reach that age. He is truly a model human being.
A pattern of Lynxes, Owls and Cobras line the roof of the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, D.C. Sculpture by Lee Lawrie, of course.
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