The time has finally come. After years of fund-raising, months of tests, and waiting for recent state approval, an effort has begun to restore the statue almost universally known as "Black Hawk." Lorado Taft created it 103 years ago on a bluff overlooking the Rock River near Oregon, Ill. Taft called it "The Eternal Indian."
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Restoration Continues On "Black Hawk" Statue
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In perspective: "The Eternal Indian" as seen from the other side of the Rock River, along Highway 2.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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The statue informally known as "Black Hawk," looking much the same as it has for the past century. At this distance, at least. A metal vent is visible above his crossed arms.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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Upon closer inspection from the parking lot at Lowden State Park, the sculpture is fenced in with scaffolding at the ready (as of 8/22/14)
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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The back of "The Eternal Indian's" head shows wear in the concrete. THe damage is much more severe on the side facing the river.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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Cracks, patches, discoloration, even holes, at the back of the statue.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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"The Eternal Indian"
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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A closer look at the worst outwardly-visible damage, the crossed arms. There is worry that the arms and the shoulder are in imminent danger of shearing off .
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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While possibly inspired by Sauk leader Black Hawk, he is not modeled after him.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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The weather-worn face.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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The base of "The Eternal Indian." Bushes and trees were removed to facilitate reconstruction. The moisture they held close to the statue actually increased the damage over time.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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Construction, more than 100 years ago. From the information plaque next to the statue.
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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After years of fund-raising, and state approval for the project, the time has finally come
Susan Stephens / WNIJ
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Fencing was put up earlier this year because of the danger of falling concrete
Guy Stephens / WNIJ
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Frank Rausa has led the effort to restore the stature. He estimates that, due to the extensive damage, the total cost of a proper restoration will run close to a million dollars
Guy Stephens / WNIJ
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At a June 24 news conference, Amy Lamb Woods of restoration consultants Thornton Tommasetti uses a model to show where the statue's various problems are.
Guy Stephens / WNIJ
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At the June 24 news conference, Amy Lamb Woods of Thornton Tommasetti illustrates one of the critical issues in the restoration: matching the new material to the old. A bad match could lead to even more damage.
Guy Stephens / WNIJ
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A close-up look at the damage to the statue's arm. Tests last fall and in the spring showed damage was much worse than expected.
Guy Stephens / WNIJ
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When Taft constructed the statue in 1911, he used a stone slurry to give it a pink granite-like patina. Years of exposure and repairs left it a dull gray. Along with its structural integrity, the project hopes to restore the statue's original appearance.
Guy Stephens / WNIJ
