Fred Smith (1886-1976), of Wisconsin, was known for his life-size and larger hand-made, concrete creations at what is now called the Wisconsin Concrete Park. Smith started creating his sculptures in 1..
more »Fred Smith (1886-1976), of Wisconsin, was known for his life-size and larger hand-made, concrete creations at what is now called the Wisconsin Concrete Park. Smith started creating his sculptures in 1948 after he retired from a lumber camp due to arthritis. The 237 sculptures are in honor of indigenous peoples, regional settlers, local myths and legends, figures and animals, events of national and local interest, as well as some events of deeply personal significance. Smith did not originally intend to build such a large collection, but he did so in a span of only 15 years.
The Wisconsin Concrete Park is currently on the National Registry of Historic Places. Although a wind storm damaged 70% of the figures in 1977, the original rotted wood armatures were replaced with steel to protect them from extreme climatic conditions.
This sculpture of Mr. Knox and is accompanied by oxen and references local lumber history and lore associated with Paul Bunyan.
Image is provided for educational purposes only. © University of North Dakota. All rights reserved.
« less