Jerry K. Crump statue
Aug. 4. Emily Paton. Much attention recently has focused on the Confederate soldier monument at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and if or how the monument can be removed.
Monuments — which can be a structure, statue or building — are constructed as part of architectural beauty and defined by the use to which it is put. A monument is very often a dimensional work of art, hence a sculpture, that is used to honor or memorialize an event, a place, or a person. A sculpture is defined by the methods used in creating it.
Here are some of the forgotten monuments in and around Cornelius. If we’ve included some sculptures here, well, enjoy.
• The Veterans Monument is a memorial that pays tribute to Cornelius residents who have served the country, taking the form of multiple large slabs etched with community member’s names.
Humpty Dumpty
Located at Rotary Plaza off of the Main Street and Catawba intersection, this memorial was the vision of late Cornelius Mayor, Harold Little.
• The Jerry K. Crump Statue memorializes Cornelius resident, Congressional Medal of Honor, and Purple Heart recipient, Jerry K. Crump. The bronze statue was inducted posthumously for Crump’s U.S Military service in the Korean war and acts of valor. Located within the Veterans Monument, and created by Lena Toritch
• Cornelius’ Never Forget 9/11 memorial was created to honor first responders, citizens, and military personnel who were affected by September 11th, 2001. The monument contains a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Located at Cornelius Fire Station number one, and designed by Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee.
• The Mark Twain sculpture sits outside the Cornelius Library, on a bench with room for another. The literary figure who wrote Huckleberry Finn sits emboldened with a book and pipe in his
Mark Twain
hands. Sculpted by Jon Hair, who had a studio in Cornelius for many years.
• Humpty Dumpty sits in front of the Cornelius Elementary School, built from aluminum and steel. This children’s character is complete with a sculpted book and engraved poem. Imagined and created by Eric Isbanioly.
• Davidson College’s War Memorial honors Davidson alumni who have served in war. It is located
behind Elm Row and Between Old Well and Carnegie Guest House and was expanded in 2015 by a Davidson Alum to recognize veterans beyond those of WWII, which the memorial was originally
Dance of Life
intended to do.
• Davidson’s Town Hall Memorial is a high-flying American flag dedicated to fallen police officer Mark Allen Swaney. It marks the front of the town hall, and is the entryway into the community. It is engraved with a testament to Swaney’s livelihood and dedication.
• Behind Davidson’s Summit Coffee and Ben & Jerry’s is the standout Dance of Life sculpture, given in memory of Patricia Tucker Knox by her brother. Created by sculptor Douwe Blumberg in 2015, this piece celebrates grace, beauty, and vitality.
• St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson is home to a Homeless Jesus bronze sculpture, which depicts Jesus lying on a park bench with a blanket, making parishioners think critically about their commitment to faith. Sculpted and designed by Timothy Schmalz.
In a future edition: Cornelius Today will explore Davidson College’s memorials and artwork with a virtual walking tour of on-campus sculptures.
