OTTUMWA —
Gary Stephenson is getting closer to seeing a framed U.S. Constitution in every Iowa county seat courthouse.
Wapello County Supervisors didn’t vote Tuesday, but they seemed quite interested in the lithographs Stephenson brought from his home in Fort Dodge.
The high-quality copies, he said, were printed in the 1930s; his father found a bunch that had been stored in a warehouse in Chicago and decided to put one in every courthouse in the state. The prints weren’t free, nor was the framing, but Gary, 59, and his father felt there’d be enough interest in each community that they could get businesses or organizations to sponsor the installation — and they ask the board of supervisors in each county if it’d be OK.
After his father’s death, Gary took over the mission. Between him and his dad, they’ve made progress. With 99 counties in Iowa, 73 have approved the project and put the antique Constitution in their courthouse.
Supervisor Jerry Parker worries about businesses getting involved; one store may be offended that they weren’t asked and a competitor is named on a plaque forever. But, he said, maybe the county, elected officials or a suitable nonprofit group would want to contribute.
It took a few minutes to pin Stephenson down on an exact price, and the man admitted speaking before the supervisors in each county has always been the toughest part of the job for him. He said he wanted them to understand this was not about him trying to make a lot of money.
With 10 sponsors paying $75 each, the county would not have to spend anything. If necessary, Gary was willing — with permission — to go out into the county to gather sponsors.
That may not be necessary, supervisors said. Considering the price of framing and of getting a good-quality lithograph — not to mention a project with the goal of doing something so positive — the supervisors said the project was something they’d consider.
They even asked about varieties of frames available and negotiated a slightly lower price if they do vote to approve the purchase of the Constitution.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a liquor license for Wapello County winery Smith Brothers. They also approved their tax suspension list.
Parker told the other supervisors about the successful removal of the foot and base of Chief Wapello off the Wapello County Courthouse.
The board discussed the possibilities of touring with the well-known statue. Greg Kenning asked if there was a danger of damaging the statue further while traveling, especially in the case of an accident.
For the places they do agree on, said Steve Siegel, he’d want to ensure that the sculpture representing the famous chief was handled respectfully.
Parker said it might be wise to seek a smaller trailer. The current trailer being used is from the Secondary Roads Department, much larger than necessary and requires a big vehicle like a dump truck to pull it.
That means, the board agreed, it may be awkward backing a 40-foot trailer into the Walk on Art Street. The Chief, at about 11 feet tall, would fit onto a good quality 15-foot trailer, Siegel said, but would need to be easily visible to residents.
The board said they would keep their eyes and ears open for suggestions on getting the temporary use of a trailer that would meet those needs.
Wapello County
August 15, 2012
Supervisors consider buying framed 1930s Constitution
Possible tour of Chief Wapello statue also discussed by the board
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