The historic statue of Chief John Logan in Chief Logan State Park was vandalized with paint recently. At least three incidents of vandalism have occurred recently in the state park. (Photo | Martha Sparks)
According to Chief Logan State Park Foundation member Frankie Esposito, vandals spray painted bathrooms, signs and the Chief Logan stature during the Labor Day Weekend.
“Labor Day weekend, somebody — or several — came through the park. Not only did they vandalize and deface Chief Logan, they did a lot of the signage and a lot of the restrooms,” Esposito said. “Then about two or three weeks later, apparently the same outfit because they used the same color paint, they put additional paint on Chief Logan. I have been told the same color of paint has been used in the City of Logan and West Logan. It’s really sad that they have defaced such a wonderful icon of our heritage, John Logan.”
Esposito doesn’t know when or how the statue will be restored.
“We’re researching it now, to see if we can either strip it or sand blast it,” Esposito said. “We just want to make sure we don’t damage it in restoring it. If anyone has any ideas, they can call park superintendent Bruce Collingsworth at 304-792-7125.”
About the Chief Logan statue:
The Chief John Logan Statue, located on the lawn of Museum in the Park, was acquired through a county wide effort. Contributing financial sponsors included The Chief Logan State Park Foundation, Logan County Landmark Commission, Cecil I. Walker Machinery, Logan County Commission, Monterra Development, VFW 4523, Kiwanis, Ferrell Excavating, Logan Bank & Trust, Logan Planing Mill, Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Shawnee Trail Association. A dedication ceremony was held July 4, 1998.
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Information obtained from the Internet (www.williamsonwestvirginia.us/) states that Seamus O’Mahoney sculpted the 6 foot white marble statue. The model was John Curry and the architect was Larry D. Justice.
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Contact Martha Sparks at 304-752-6950, ext 308 or email msparks@loganbanner.com
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