The class of 1870 purchased a statue of Benjamin Franklin and gave it to the University. The statue stood just north of University Hall, where Angell Hall stands today. Here is a picture:
Unfortunately the Class of 1870 had thought they had purchased a bronze statue but in fact it was made of Pewter. Student would regularly paint his trousers and jacket maize and blue. The statue stood there for the next 29 years. In 1899 a student wedged a beer bottle in to Mr. Franklin's pocket. To prevent further deterioration the University decided to drill a hole in his head and fill him with cement. Of course as any material science major could tell you, cement filled pewter + winter = deterioration. The greatest American didn't make it to see his 30th birthday.So I think it would be prudent of our class to re-give a statue of Benjamin Franklin and restore his place on our fine campus.
3 comments:
We give 2 gifts, 1 as part of the Michigan Engineering class of 2009, one for the general Michigan class of 2009. The "Class President" election was held last year, they decide on the gift. They're also responsible for planning our reunions and such.
you can bring this idea to the 2009E class president, vikrom dhar (vikrom@umich.edu). but please do not tell him that i endorsed this idea... my heart still lies with napping rooms on campus (see my previous blog post)
Hi... nice posting. Touch base with me if you're interested in discussing this idea and others for fundraising at Michigan.
Go Blue!
Devin Mathias
dmathias (at) umich.edu
Director of Annual Giving
Universit of Michigan
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