Greenville's Shoeless Joe Jackson Statue ...continued

Sculptor Douglas R. Young worked on the statue in the lobby of Greenville's City Hall over a long period of time (in 2001). The public was allowed to watch and talk to Young as he worked, and through the week the sculpture remained on view. Although the work was roped off, visitors and employees at City Hall could approach very closely and see the sculptor's hand work recorded in the clay.

Watching the work progress over time, one could see details developing and being reworked or changed completely as Young made decisions in creating the folds of cloth, simulation of leather, shaping the face, hands and so on.

Samples of the same clay were placed on tables in the lobby so visitors could handle and shape small objects and get a feel for what the evolving statue might feel like. Some visitors were allowed to place small amounts of clay onto the sculpture to be worked into the design by sculptorYoung. More on the sculptor later.

The Sculpture is Unveiled

Saturday July 13, 2002. Main Street Greenville South Carolina. It was a very overcast Saturday morning and it looked like rain could begin at any time. It didn't rain, but a gust of wind once tried and failed to unveil the statue ahead of schedule. All went very well.

The plaza area where the statue is located has been named "Shoeless Joe Jackson Plaza" in the historic West End of the City of Greenville. According to Arlene Marcley, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Greenville, the circular fountain wall in which the statue stands is constructed with bricks removed from the old Comiskey Ball Park where Joe played for the Chicago White Sox. Arlene Marcley is a major force in making this truly historic day possible. Thanks to Ms. Marcley for every ounce of effort that goes into keeping alive the memory of Joe Jackson, "Greenville's homegrown legend," as the dedication program refers to him.

The Program for Unveiling Day Read as Follows

Master of Ceremonies, Charlie Munson, 92.5 WESC FM radio, Greenville.

Invocation --Reverend Clyde E. Wright

National Anthem --Men's Chorus, Bob Jones University Chorus Director randy Habegger.

Welcome --The Hon. Knox White, Mayor of The City Of Greenville.

Remarks --The Hon. Jim DeMint, U.S. House of Representatives.

Remarks --The Hon. Lindsey Graham, U.S. House of Representatives.

"Carolina In The Morning" --Men's Chorus.

Remarks --Mike Nola, Shoeless Joe Jackson Virtual Hall of Fame.

"Katie" --Men's Choris. Tribute to Kate Wynn Jackson, Joe's wife.

Representing the late Ted Williams --Arthur "Buzz" Hamon, former assistant to Mr. Williams and former director of the Ted Williams Museum.

Tribute to Mr. Williams, "The Marines' Hymn" --Mens' Chorus

Featured Speaker --Tommy Lasorda. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame 1977.

Presentation of the Shoeless Joe Jackson Award --Presented to Tommy Lasorda (the last person to receive this award was Ted Williams in 1998).

Sing-Along --"Take me Out to the Ballgame"

Unveiling of the Shoeless Joe Jackson statue --Joe Wade Anders.

photos: Waiting for the ceremonies to begin; Tommy Lasorda walks to the stage as Featured Guest Speaker.