Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Merry Christmas, W&L!


The original folk statue of George Washington that once graced the cupola of Washington Hall is decked out for the holidays at Elrod Commons, the student center at Washington and Lee University.

The statue was carved by a local cabinet maker from a single log of pine when the cupola was added in 1844. "Old George" was removed in 1990 and replaced with a replica, in order to preserve the original. (See the replica above the Colonnade, here. )

Who decides what Old George will wear? I have no idea. Perhaps someone will write in and tell me.

9 comments:

Fio said...

I'd say it was Santa :D

James Hemby said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your daily photo blog of Lexington. I graduated from W&L in 1981 and have missed the area every day since. Your work is lovely and honest. Interestingly, I now live on a small farm in Youngsville, NC and have toyed for months with the idea of documenting my beautiful, agarian Franklin County (I was born and raised here in Eastern North Carolina) in photos on the web before development over takes it. You have inspired me now to do just that. Again, thank you at so many levels.

Tanya Breese said...

Amazing work, from one pine log, wow!

MurciaDailyPhoto said...

If at the time of Christmas they will put him these ornaments, what do they put on Halloween? ;)

CeciliaGallerani said...

James - You're very welcome. When I started this, I was thinking there might be some people out there like you, who could enjoy a little daily dose of Lexington. I've met so many people here who've moved back after years away, saying they had always missed it.

Documenting your own county in NC is an excellent idea -- I look forward to seeing your blog. Please drop by with the link as soon as you are up and running.

Greg Dimitriadis said...

I agree with Fio, he is vaguely Santa-like...

Thank you for visiting Liege City Daily Photo!

Jill said...

It is a wonderful sculpture and good that it has been preserved.

Unknown said...

Your composition is just great no matter what GW outfit looks like! :-)

Anonymous said...

Fantastic! This is great! Glad to see Mr Washington getting into the spirit of things too:)