Samuel Perry Dinsmoor (1842 - 1942), born in Lucas, Kansas, was an American teacher and sculptor. Dinsmoor served for three years in the Union Army during the Civil War. Following his retirement from ..
more »Samuel Perry Dinsmoor (1842 - 1942), born in Lucas, Kansas, was an American teacher and sculptor. Dinsmoor served for three years in the Union Army during the Civil War. Following his retirement from the Union Army, and eventually from education in 1905, he began his work as a sculptor. He moved into a log cabin on a lot he names the “Garden of Eden”. The 12 room log cabin is made of limestone and is built near Wilson Lake. From here, Dinsmoor spent his time creating over 200 concrete sculptures, illustrating the Populist movement and religious ideologies. One of his more popular pieces, “Labor Crucified”, is a sculpture of him surrounded by those who he felt had crucified him: a lawyer, doctor, capitalist, and a preacher.
Dinsmoor also created his own mausoleum, where he lays to this day. Visitors can view this coffin behind a piece of glass where a double-exposed image he created of himself looking down at his own corpse is on display.
In this image, Adam and Eve are positioned below the sign welcoming visitors into the Garden.
Image is provided for educational purposes only. © University of North Dakota. All rights reserved.
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