U. Club Joins Centennial of Soldiers & Sailors Monument 10/5

Hosts reception, lecture from Dr. John Pipkin of SUNY, Washington Park Conservancy

On October 5, 1912, an imposing monument was unveiled in Washington Park “in commemoration of the men of Albany who gave their lives to save the Union.”

On October 5, 2012, the Washington Park Conservancy will rededicate that monument with a ceremony at the monument from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. immediately followed by a reception and presentation at the National Register-listed University Club of Albany, 141 Washington Avenue at Dove Street. The events are free and open to the public, light fare will be served, and drinks will be available.

The monument, created by sculptor Hermon MacNeil and designed by Lord & Hewlett, sits at the northern entrance to Washington Park at Henry Johnson Boulevard. A bronze female figure representing America stands holding palm branches as a symbol of peace and a sword as a symbol of war. Behind her is a rectangular marble block adorned with reliefs depicting Civil War soldiers and sailors marching off to war. The monument represents "The Nation at Peace Won Through Victorious War."

The white Tennessee marble had become soiled over the years, and water infiltration threatened the monument’s future. The not-for-profit Washington Park Conservancy recently invested some $12,000 to restore the monument in time for its rededication.

The ceremony in Washington Park will feature remarks by elected officials, period music, a military honor guard, and a wreath-laying to pay formal respects to the sacrifice of America’s veterans. Following the ceremony, participants are invited to the University Club for a reception and presentation from Professor John Pipkin on the history of Washington Park.

From 8:00 – 10:00 p.m., the Club will present live music from TN3 (the Todd Nelson Trio) as part of its monthly celebration of 1st Friday. TN3 mixes elements of jazz, rock and electronics, playing original songs and new arrangements of unusual covers, including pop, folk and gospel.

John Pipkin is Distinguished Service Professor of Geography and Planning at the University at Albany. His interests are in urban design, urban planning, architectural symbolism, social geography, landscape history, and public space. He also serves as Vice President of the Washington Park Conservancy.

The University Club Foundation, a 501c3 corporation, is presenting this event in conjunction with the Washington Park Conservancy. The Conservancy was formed in 1985 to help guide the periodic restoration and regular maintenance of Historic Washington Park. The Foundation was formed to recognize and maintain the unique historic and architectural significance of the University Club building and property, its historic neighborhood and the city of Albany, where it has been located since its inception in 1901.