Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Boston...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 18:10:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Boston...: The Head Librarian at Boston Public Library said, "The Bacchante and Infant Faun may have been banned in Boston and the origin...

Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Boston Public Libraries That's Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 16:52:00 +0000

The Head Librarian at Boston Public Library said,

"The Bacchante and Infant Faun may have been banned in Boston and the original sent to New York City Metropolitan Museum decades ago but not the Boston Monument Guide Book to Monuments and sculptures called;"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us".

Map of Copley Square Boston, MA

Author Joe Gallo BPL Courtyard

Bacchante and Infant Faun Sculpture Boston, MA

Bacchante and Infant Faun

Boston Public Library Frederick W. MacMonnies, Sculptor Bronze

“Banned in Boston, 1896,” the Boston Globe states.

This delightful light-hearted bronze piece was a gift from architect Charles Follen McKim, the designer of the original Boston Public Library. The statue depicts a nude woman holding an infant. The Boston Globe suggested that it be replaced by a “nice moral statue of a Sunday school teacher”. Further comments from a local minister called it “a memorial to the worst type of harlotry with which the world was ever afflicted.” McKim decided to remove it from the courtyard fountain and donate it to the New York Metropolitan Museum. The MET gladly accepted.

Several years later, George Robert White, a Boston philanthropist, obtained a second “Bacchante and Infant Faun” casting and offered it to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts which they gladly accepted as well. Boston Public Library Court Yard still has the copy and not the original gifted piece to this day.

Although not an original, “Bacchante and Infant Faun” defiantly and playfully dance on the fountain’s waters, meant to be an oasis for hard working academics everywhere and in every field of study.

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"can be purchased on Amazon.com and sold in local Boston Book stores.

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Monument Guide Book of Boston? Mor...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 17:53:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Monument Guide Book of Boston? Mor...: 5.0 out of 5 stars Boston Bronze & Stone Speak to Us By Michael LaRose on January 24, 2013 Format: Paperback | Verified Purch...

Who Is Using My Monument Guide Book of Boston? More Amazon readers That's Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 16:54:00 +0000

Boston Bronze & Stone Speak to Us

ByMichael LaRoseon January 24, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Bought as a gift so cannot "rate" its contents. My brief review, however, indicated I would be "borrowing" it often as I trek through the streets of Boston. Also, this was delivered directly from the author / publisher rather than via Amazon or similar. It was received very promptly (within three days), packaged carefully, and received in excellent condition what a deal.

CommentOne person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you

Beauty surrounds us

ByM. D. Reganon July 30, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

We take for granted, we Bostonians, the beauty we pass bye each day. This book helps us see that hidden around every corner are statues of great beauty and historical value. I will be walking with eyes wide open from Now on what a book.

CommentOne person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

This book rocks, pun intended....Love it!

Bygloismeeon June 10, 2013

Format: Kindle Edition

Great material, great author, great art and great city! If I need to find anything its so easy to search this book! I love having this version because I can use it on my kindle or iphone and I can leave the print version home on my coffee table beautiful book.

CommentOne person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

GET THIS BOOK

ByL. Jordanon November 20, 2011

Format: Paperback

This is the best guide to Boston sculptures I have ever read! It covers the entire city from the North End to the Fenway and everything in between. There are lots of great photos and very helpful maps. I have been exploring Boston for over fifty years and thought I new the downtown area very well, but there are sites described in this book I had not even known existed. Well worth the price great buy.

CommentOne person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

The author appeared on WCVB Chronicle program. Visited many of the sculptures starting with my grandmother as a guide in the 1950's I wanted to have the memories brought to life as we are leaving Massachusetts for Florida. This is a great work of art and education.

This Boston monument guide book can be purchased on Amazon.com and local boston Book Stores such as "I Am Books" North End.

Boston Is America, America is Boston!

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Jan O'...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 17:45:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Jan O'...: The Fens where these below Monuments are located Dear Mr. Gallo, " Yours is a wonderful book! I love how it is orga...

Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Jan O'Hara That Is Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 17:00:00 +0000

The Fens where these below Monuments are located

Dear Mr. Gallo,

" Yours is a wonderful book! I love how it is organized. I plan to visit as many of these statues and memorials as I can with your book in hand! (I have often wondered about those personages in the Public Gardens.) The history is absorbing; the photos are beautiful! I love this book!"

Many thanks,

Jan O'Hara

John Boyle O'Reily by Daniel Chester French

Erin with Sons Courage & Poetry

Roberto Clement by Anthony Forgone

John Endecott byC.P. Jennewien

WWII Memorial By John F. Parimino

Boston Monument Guide Book, "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak to Us" can be purchased on Amazon.com and "I Am Books" Northend Boston, MA

Boston is America, America is Boston!

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Amazon...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 18:30:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Amazon...: 5.0 out of 5 stars It's mine now! By cricket'smother on December 12, 2012 Format: Paperback | Verified Purchase I bought it ...

Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Amazon Readers are That's Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 18:00:00 +0000

It's mine now!

Bycricket'smotheron December 12, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I bought it as a gift for someone else, but decided I wanted to keep it for myself. It's so interesting to look through and my goal is to go on hunts, looking for statues and sculptures all over the Boston area. I'm less than an hour away and can't wait to hunt down my favorites; my book is full of little post-it flags that I have to see in person. It's like a treasure hunt. What a great idea someone had to put this book together!

CommentOne person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Love it!

ByLuLuon December 13, 2011

Format: Paperback

Love this book! I am not a history buff, but I do love art and sculpture. The pictures are gorgeous and I really appreciate how simplified this book is. There are cute little maps indicating where to find these beautiful Boston gems ... many I didn't know existed and I've lived in Boston for 20+ years! After I come out of hibernation this winter, I plan to take myself on a tour in the Spring to see some of these. This could be a fun little Christmas gift too.

Comment2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

A wonderful view of Boston, December 12, 2011

ByDonna Wissleron December 12, 2011

Format: Paperback

What a delightful and informative tour of Boston!! The pictures are spectacular and the research is thorough and informative. Joe Gallo's love of Boston is apparent on every page. This book is a must for anyone who has been to Boston or is planning a trip there. The beauty and grandeur of New England's first city is breathtaking. Kudos to Joe Gallo for this labor of love!

Comment2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Great Book for Bostonians and History Buffs

Bysquamlake202on July 10, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is a very nice book with lots of interesting facts, especially for locals!! It is nice to have some knowledge about the city sculptures we all walk by time after time, with no real awareness of their significance. Great gift, worth the $$$.

CommentOne person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Great Memories with Educational Value

ByTuckerBostonon June 24, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This Boston monument guide book can be purchased on Amazon.com and local boston Book Stores such as "I Am Books" North End.

Boston Is America, America is Boston!

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Veterans ;America Thanks you For All Your Service....

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 17:55:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Veterans ;America Thanks you For All Your Service....: Revolutionary War Monument by Charles Bulfinch Beacon Hill Memorial Column Outside Beacon Hill State House / Rear Charles Bulfinc...

Veterans ;America Thanks you For All Your Service.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Revolutionary War Monument by Charles Bulfinch

Beacon Hill Memorial Column

Outside Beacon Hill State House / Rear Charles Bulfinch, Sculptor Bronze / Granite

Clearly another first for Boston. This monument was the first in the country to honor our Revolutionary war heroes.

Created by Charles Bulfinch, architect of the State House, the Beacon Hill Memorial Column was originally erected in 1790, but removed in 1811. The memorial was recreated in 1990 and contains inscription plaques from the original monument.

The Beacon Monument dedicated to the fallen of The American Revolution was blown down 1789, the same year Charles Bulfinch, who graduated Harvard 1781, was chosen one of the selectmen of the town of Boston who redesigned the Beacon Hill Column.

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak to Us"can be purchased at "The Old North Church Gift Store", "I Am Books"Boston, MA and on Amazon .com

Boston is America, America is Boston

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: In Memory of Kathleen Valentine. A creative design...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 17:08:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: In Memory of Kathleen Valentine. A creative design...: Kathleen Valentine's sudden passing strikes deep sadness within all who knew her. Valentines' talented efforts, sensitivity to th...

In Memory of Kathleen Valentine. A creative designer, author, artist and friend.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 17:06:00 +0000

Kathleen Valentine's sudden passing strikes deep sadness within all who knew her. Valentines' talented efforts, sensitivity to thought and design of my book "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" enabled me to sell thousands of books and give dozens of talks that touched the hearts of many who have purchased them.

Kathleen's constant attention to detail enabled my idea, my dream of creating a guidebook for Boston's Monuments a most beautiful and factual reality. Usefulness and artistic expression were my wishes for this book. Kathleen created both artistically and digitally a book expressing all these wishes.

The design of the cover of my book captured what needed to be communicated to our Boston community as well as our nation. Kathleen did this for all of us. The covers, front and back, are the face of Kathleen Valentine's efforts, creativity and hard work. The careful thoughtful positioning of all these panels on the cover of my book depicting not only the many Boston Monuments our great city possesses but the religious, humanitarian, ethnic and emotional diversity that our 500 year old city is built upon. The diversity of our Boston Monuments and their artistic creators needed to be told to America. Kathleen expressed this communication with design and formatting with every paragraph and photograph that I researched and gave to her to build this most useful and informative book of our public art.

Thank you Kathleen Valentine for your kindness, sincerity and artistic sensitivity. You will be missed.

Rest in Peace

Joseph R. Gallo

Boston is America, America is Boston

With your help and guidance Kathleen you made my book a success

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Guide Book of Boston Monuments? Ag...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Guide Book of Boston Monuments? Ag...: Agnes Barron from Kentucky promises, "When my husband and I both visit again Boston, we shall properly seek out these beautiful his...

Who Is Using My Guide Book of Boston Monuments? Agnes Barron of Hartford, Kentucky.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 14:30:00 +0000

Agnes Barron from Kentucky promises,

"When my husband and I both visit again Boston, we shall properly seek out these beautiful historical sculptures of both bronze and stone using this book "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak to Us".

Old North Church

George Washington Bust by Gallager

Statement by Marque de Lafayette

The first Made-in America sculpture is housed in the Old North Church. Boston not Philadelphia, nor New York, nor Washington D.C. can say it has the first American-made Carrara bust of George Washington, Father of our Country.

Had the American Revolution not intervened, more London made memorials might have come to Boston to join the Scheemakers, Cheere, and Tyler works in King’s Chapel. As it was, the next significant memorial was a home grown product, the bust of George Washington that was given in 1815 to Christ Church, Salem Street, by its senior warden Shubael Bell. During Washington’s progress through New England in 1789 he sat for two hours in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on 3 November for Christian Gullager (or Gülager), a Danish artist, who came to America about 1781, and lived in Boston, New York and Philadelphia until his death in the latter city in 1827.

The not-very flattering oil portrait that Gullager produced now belongs to the Massachusetts Historical Society. The Reverend William Bentley of Salem noted in his invaluable diary on 5 April 1790 that, ‘Mr. Gullager of Boston has completed a bust of General Washington in Plaster of Paris, as large as life,’ which was the prototype of thebust in Christ Church.
The church has placed nearby an inscription reading:

“General Lafayette, standing here in 1824 and looking at the bust of Washington, said, ‘Yes, that is the man I knew and more like him than any other portrait.’’’ One hates to think that the anecdote is true, or that Lafayette was right. Shubael Bell’s gift by no means satisfied the Boston desire to memorialize Washington, for a decade later a local committee sought to erect a full-length statue. For this purpose they had, as will shortly be seen, to turn to the British sculptor, Sir Francis Chantrey, whose work is the first to be illustrated in this series of Boston statues.

My Book "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"can be purchased on Amazon.com and local Boston Book Stores.

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Louis ...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:21:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Louis ...: "( This book is a helpful and entertaining companion to the monuments of the most historic city in America. The delightful neighborho...

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Bronze Monument Book? The L...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:03:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Bronze Monument Book? The L...: Who Is Using My Boston Bronze Monument Book? The Lentz Family From Connecticut thats who. Lentz Family discovering The Firemen's Mo...

Who Is Using My Boston Bronze Monument Book? The Lentz Family From Connecticut thats who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:59:00 +0000

Who Is Using My Boston Bronze Monument Book? The Lentz Family From Connecticut thats who.

Lentz Family discovering The Firemen's Monument Located On Comminwealth Ave Boston, MA

Bronze and Granite Firemenns Monument by Ted Clausen and Peter White

Vendome Firemen Monument (1997)

Commonwealth Ave Mall Dartmouth Street Ted Clausen and Peter White, Sculptors Bronze / Granite

A reminder of impending death penetrates and surrounds me as I approach this work of art, this memorial for all Firemen who risk their lives for all of us each day that they stand watch.

When that Bell Rings We are All the Same, We are a Team, We have One Job to do. FF Thomas W. Beck with Engine Co. 32 March 22, 1937 – June 17, 1972
2:35 PM There is smoke in the Café of the Hotel Vendome on Commonwealth Ave / Dartmouth

2:40 PM Fire Fighters arrive, finding smoke and flames
coming from the third and fourth floors
Fire Fighter Joseph F. Boucher, JRS January 10, 1944-June 17, 1972

2:45 PM District Four Reports Box 1571 a working fire 2:46 PM A second alarm is struck

Lt. Thomas J. Carroll Engine Co. 32
May 18, 1925-June 17, 1972

3:02 PM A third alarm is struck.
We save lives and property. We are no heroes. We do what we love. We do our jobs.
- Fire Fighter Charles E. Dolan Ladder Co. 13 September 6, 1924-June 17, 1972
We don’t talk about the tragic fires. It would be too much. We go home to our families.

3:06 PM A fourth alarm is struck.
Lt. John E. Hanbury, Jr. Ladder Co. 13 May 20, 1926 - June 17, 1972
“Our families know that each day could be our last. It’s just part of the work.”
FF Richard B. Magee Engine Co. 33 September 17, 1932 - June 17, 1972
“The worst is death, but you learn to let go. You wouldn’t be able to do your job.”

5:28 PM Without warning four floors of the Vendome collapse, burying twenty-five firefighters
“There is the unknown in every fire. You do your job, follow the plan: still something can go wrong.”
FF Paul Murphy Engine Co. 32 March 5, 1936 - June 17, 1972

2:00 AM Fire Fighters search the rubber until all are accounted for. Nine fire fighters are dead, sixteen are injured. “Investigators reveal that the Vendome did not collapse because of the fire, but from structural weakness.”

FF Joseph P. Sanivk Ladder Co. 13 August 8, 1924 - June 17, 1972

Sometimes you have to say “There’s nothing more we could have done.”
Losing a fire fighter brings back every other loss.”
Taken from the Stone

Boston Is America, America is Boston!

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" can be purchased at local bookstores in the Boston Area and on Amazon.com

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Willia...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:22:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Willia...: William E. Bach from Madison, WI. exclaims , " I and my family find this guide book informative and clear about the where abouts of ...

Who Is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? William E. Bach of Madison, Wi That's Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 11:19:00 +0000

William E. Bach from Madison, WI. exclaims ,

" I and my family find this guide book informative and clear about the where abouts of all these historical artistic monuments in and around the Boston, MA neighborhoods."

Louise Morse from North Easton, MA; Aleksandr I Fedorenko from Brookline, MA; Catherine Bongiolatti from Brewster, MA all comment,

"This Boston Monument Guide book has made our repeated visits to Boston Common, Boston Public Gardens, The North End, The Down town Financial District and other Boston neighborhoods much more pleasant. Locating these hundreds of monuments memorials statues by using these easy to use maps and referring to the 'List of Sculptors and List of Sculptures' has enhanced our learning experienc about Boston's history and art."

Boston, MA Appeal To The Great Spirit

Inspiration for Liberty Boston, MA

Mayor Maurice J. Tobin Boston, MA

Quincy Market / Faneuil Hall Map

Creature Pond Boston, MA

My Book 'Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" can be purchased at local book shops in Boston, MA and on Amazon.com

Boston Is America, America is Boston!

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Attorn...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 10:28:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Attorn...: Attorney Richard Magnum purchased a case of twenty copies of "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"because one of his heros is Rufu...

Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Attorney Richard Magnum of Saugus That's Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:30:00 +0000

Attorney Richard Magnum purchased a case of twenty copies of "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"because one of his heros is Rufus Choate who is one of America's greatest lawyers.

Attorney Rufus Choate was a Massachusetts lawyer, statesman, and friend of Daniel Webster. Attorney Choate was a pillar for the legal community at that period in Boston's history.

Attorney Magnum purchased copies of "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" to share with family, friends and clients the great leaders of Boston's past; both legal as well as within other fields and professions.

Stair case with Suffolk county Court House Boston, MA

Bronze of Rufus Choate by Daniel Chester French

Rufus Choate suffolk county Court House Boston, MA

Suffolk County Court House Boston, MA

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"can be purchased in local book stores in Boston and on Amazon.com and "I Am Books" Northend Boston, MA

Boston is America, America is Boston!

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Teache...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 16:57:00 +0000

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Teache...: READ OUR 5-Star Reviews on Amazon! "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" The book arrived this afternoon - what an underta...

Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us: Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Teache...

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 16:57:00 +0000

Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? Teachers, Professors,Art Chair Personal and Sculptors.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 16:56:00 +0000

READ OUR 5-Star Reviews on Amazon!

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"

The book arrived this afternoon - what an undertaking!!! I have already read all the introductory pages and the section on the Boston Common. Outstanding!!. Wissler University, if it existed, awards Joe Gallo its first PhD in Civic Pride. What a beautiful book this is. I can't wait to continue reading and looking at the marvelous pictures. The research put into this is mind-boggling.It is a great advertisement for America's first city, The Hub. - Dick & Donna Wissler

(This book is) a helpful and entertaining companion to the monuments of the most historic city in America. The delightful neighborhood walks will guide you through Boston’s narrow streets seeking out museum-quality public art, while the commentary will take you on an historical adventure through America’s past. - Louis E. Jordan III, Director of Rare Book and Special Collections, University of Notre Dame and author of the definitve study on the 1652 Massachusettss Mint.

Public Art is a great gift to a city and Joe Gallo's book is a great gift to Boston... Joe's comprehensive look at the diverse and important installations in Boston deserves its own place in our modern history and should be a model for such work in other cities. - Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, Chair, seARTS (Society for the Encouragement of the Arts)

This book has renewed my interest in the fascinating history of Boston and how its public art, past and present, tells that story. It is colorful, engaging, educational and an invaluable guide for Boston residents and visitors. - Robert Shure, Sculptor

Joe gallo author

Boston Bronze andStone Speak to Us

My Book "Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" can be purchased on Amazon.com and local Boston book stores.

Who is Using My Boston Monument Guide Book? The Lentz Family from Connecticut That's Who.

noreply@blogger.com (Joseph R. Gallo, Jr.) — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 10:10:00 +0000

The Lentz family from Connecticut feeling the Woman's Monument moment on Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA

Lentz Family Enjoying Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To US

The Boston Women’s Memorial 2003: Phillis Wheatley

Commonwealth Ave Mall Meredith Bergman, Sculptor Bronze / Stone

Born in West Africa and sold as a slave from the ship “Phillis” in Colonial Boston, Phillis Wheatley (1753 - 1784) was a literary prodigy whose 1773 volume “Poem on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” was the first book published by an African writer in America.

As a free black woman she was a mentor, breaking the old rules in order to build new ones, to inspire every- one, of any race or gender, to be more intellectually free.

She is also credited with originating the genres of African-American poetry and African-American wom- en’s literature. No one in America was willing to print her works, her first writings were published in London, Eng- land. Americans initially doubted that a slave woman could have written these poems, and so Wheatley was subjected to an interrogation by several prominent Bosto- nian men to determine whether she did indeed write them. They concluded that she did.

The statue is part of the Boston Women’s Memo- rial on Commonwealth Avenue, a series of three statues of Bostonian women by Meredith Bergmann: Wheatley, Abigail Adams and Lucy Stone. This poem, which gives a taste of her work, is inscribed on the memorial:

‘Imagination! Who can sing thy force? Or who describe the swiftness of thy course? Soaring through air to find the bright abode, Th’ empyreal palace of the thund’ring God, We on thy pinions can surpass the wind, And leave the rolling universe behind: From star to star the mental optics rove, Measure the skies, and range the realms above. There in one view we grasp the mighty whole, Or with new worlds amaze th’ unbounded soul. ‘ Taken from the Stone

In July 1761, Mrs. Susanna Wheatley, the wife of a prosperous tailor with a large house on King Street, purchased a sickly eight-year-old African girl from Senegal who had been transported to Boston as a slave. By the time of her arrival, there were about 1,000 slaves in the town, whose total population was some 15,000 persons. The young girl took the name of Phillis Wheatley, and within two years she had learned English from the family with which she lived and worked.

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us" by Joseph R. Gallo Jr. can be purchased on Amazon.com and "I Am Books" North End Boston, MA.

Boston Is America, America Is Boston