Great article, Fred. It was wonderful to have Mr. Hawkins at the celebration. A great day for Portland and our history. Be sure to get a copy of the comic book (“The People’s Elk”) which lays out the fountain’s history in detail.
Has anyone read that comic book? It glorifies a wide range of protests and depicts law enforcement from a leftist perspective. I support public protest and believe police misconduct has occurred too often, but a government-funded document should have described such controversies in a more balanced way.
I read "The Peoples' Elk" and enjoyed it. Now I understand the elk and the parks as a locus for many civic protests, not just the one that nearly destroyed it. (I remain mystified by the black cat which cavorts throughout the book.)
Allan, I believe the comic book was privately funded and produced. The best part is learning David Thompson’s journey and life work that gave us the fountain. (I’m also mystified by the black cat!)
It is indeed wonderful to have the majestic elk back in its proper place in the heart of the city.
At this juncture, it bears remembering that two of the elk's bronze downtown companions are still absent. They are the statues of two of America's presidents, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. They require no introduction.
But that was not enough to keep them from being put on trial, as it were, on account of not having had the foresight to comport themselves in accordance with the moral certainties of 2020. Evidently, they are to be released from custody this year or next, but only after there has been agreement on how best to contextualize them on signage so as not mislead or offend the community.
Go Bill! Thank you for all that you do to preserve historic Portland.
Great article, Fred. It was wonderful to have Mr. Hawkins at the celebration. A great day for Portland and our history. Be sure to get a copy of the comic book (“The People’s Elk”) which lays out the fountain’s history in detail.
Has anyone read that comic book? It glorifies a wide range of protests and depicts law enforcement from a leftist perspective. I support public protest and believe police misconduct has occurred too often, but a government-funded document should have described such controversies in a more balanced way.
I read "The Peoples' Elk" and enjoyed it. Now I understand the elk and the parks as a locus for many civic protests, not just the one that nearly destroyed it. (I remain mystified by the black cat which cavorts throughout the book.)
Allan, I believe the comic book was privately funded and produced. The best part is learning David Thompson’s journey and life work that gave us the fountain. (I’m also mystified by the black cat!)
Its funders included the city's Office of Arts & Culture and the Portland Parks Foundation.
Portland Parks Foundation is a separate nonprofit. The list of donors also includes other foundations and individuals. 😊
It is indeed wonderful to have the majestic elk back in its proper place in the heart of the city.
At this juncture, it bears remembering that two of the elk's bronze downtown companions are still absent. They are the statues of two of America's presidents, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. They require no introduction.
But that was not enough to keep them from being put on trial, as it were, on account of not having had the foresight to comport themselves in accordance with the moral certainties of 2020. Evidently, they are to be released from custody this year or next, but only after there has been agreement on how best to contextualize them on signage so as not mislead or offend the community.
The elk had no such baggage.
Fantastic! Thank you, Bill Hawkins.