Thaindian News

By Meena Kar:
Dec 24, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The iconic statue of Lady Liberty, located in Franklin County is undergoing a renovation process. The statue of the Benton Library dates back to 1940s. While there are several statues which have either become dilapidated, or have been sold for scrap metal, Benton likes to restore its piece. This 300 pound, 8 and-a-half foot tall replica of the original Statue of Liberty has been an attraction of Benton for over six decades. But, for this lady to last for another 5 decades, restoration is a necessity.

Library director Erin Steinsultz says that the statue does have a few holes in her structure which are allowing water to trickle inside. The director also says that in 2008, Lady Liberty was brought inside the library. She said that the statue has withstood rain, snow and wind for over 50 years before her crown was damaged. Both weather and vandalism has put the statue in need of repairs. The damage has been so much that the statue needs to be repaired from her toe to her crown. Erin Steinsultz says that the seven rays in her crown represent the seas and the 7 continents. But unfortunately she just has three. Originally, this statue was bought for $300. Now just a portion of the statues exist. It was one of the few things which made them proud, said Doris Heaton of the library board.

Heaton says that Benton has carved a niche for itself in Statue of Liberty Club Newsletter. Visitors from all across the country come here to take a look at the statue. The library now wants to build a freedom plaza that would feature Lady Liberty. The management is raising money for the project that is estimated to cost around $20,000.