Statueless Evanston May Get Monument
BY DONALD YABUSH
Evanston is a city without statues. It's been that way for more than a century. Mayor John Emery said previous mayors wanted it that way.
But it may get a statue whether it wants it or not. And the statue will honor the man Evanston was named for, John Evans.
The John Evans club, an affiliate of Northwestern university, has proposed to erect a statue costing about $50,000 at the south side of the school's campus near Orrington avenue and Clark street. The club, in a letter to the city council, suggested it and urged the city share in the cost.
Officials Oppose Statue several city officials, who asked that their names not be used, said of the things Evanston needed now, a statue was last on the list. "Why build an expensive pigeon roost? Why a memorial to Evans the city is named for him, isn't that enough?" asked an alderman.
Whether the city will contribute $25,000 to match funds put up by the club is in doubt, according to another city official. Questions of cost of maintenance, cleaning and other expenses are yet to be answered.
Mayor Emery described the proposal as "a good thought" 'but said it was difficult to comment on the city's role in the project.
Proposal Made in Letter
The club's proposal was made to the city in a letter from William Kerr, Northwestern University vice president and business manager. Kerr's letter, read to a somber council, asked that the city donate the site and divide the initial expense.
Kerr said the club was investigating p 0 s sib 1 e sculptors for the statue and trying to determine what size and form would be suitable.
The letter was referred to the council's municipal services committee.
