In the Savannah Morning News for October 9, 2014 there is an interesting up-date on Richard Kessler's new hotel to be built on the site of the old power plant of SEPCO at the west end of River street near where it intersects with the northern terminus of MLK Blvd. The River walk on Rousakis plaza will be extended along the river past MLK Blvd. This will enhance the whole area in the vicinity of the hotel. Would it be possible to move the statue of the Waving Girl from its present location on the east end of River street to the west end, near where the new developments are taking place? In its present location its visibility is obscured by trees and vegetation, and it can barely be seen from the river. The statue is indeed a Savannah treasure, but it might as well be a buried treasure. The Savannah Site and Monument Commission, I am told, is against elevating the statue so that it can be seen, but is not averse to moving it. Placed at the west end on the river, where new developments are taking place, it could be seen by passing ships, by River street traffic, and even by Hutchinson Island.
What do you think?
Seems like a very good idea for all the reasons you mentioned. What's more, the current site is not "hallowed" in terms of longevity or location. The east end site dates back only to the early 1970's, and the actual location of Florence's waving was miles down the river.
ReplyDeleteAlso, wouldn't it be good to place Waving Girl near the African-American Monument? Wouldn't that amplify the message and impact of both?
ReplyDeleteWherever the statue is placed, I agree that the most important factor is that it be seen by passing ships. It makes no sense to celebrate a woman who spent her life greeting incoming ships when her statue does not continue to greet those ships. Without visibility from the river, the statue seems like only a half-hearted attempt by the city to honor one of Savannah's most beloved heroines. What message does that send to out-of-towners?
ReplyDeleteIn Dublin there is a statue of Molly Malone, the beautiful folk song fishmonger who roamed the city streets until she suddenly died from a fever. Her statue sits at the bottom of Grafton Street- one of the busiest and most popular areas in Dublin. Her figure remains in the very same streets that gave birth to her legend.
Savannah officials should think about the Waving Girl's placement as logically as Dublin thought about their statue's placement. She should still be waving at arriving ships, just as Molly Malone and her cart still occupy Dublin's city streets.
http://www.viator.com/Dublin-attractions/Molly-Malone-Statue/d503-a671