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This Day in History

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Claes Oldenberg's 1981 "Split Button" Outdoor Art Piece in Blanche Levy Park


"The button is said to have popped off the vest which Ben Franklin wears in his statue directly across from the sculpture."





Franklin Photos - August, 2007, Conor O'Shea


Oldenberg said, "The Split represents the Schuylkill. It divides the button into four parts--for William Penns original Philadelphia squares."
-Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/9/81

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Seated Franklin, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

George Washington's tribute to Franklin:

Venerated for benevolence, admired for talents, esteemed for patriotism, beloved for philanthropy.

visible at foot of statue below.




Statue by John J. Boyle marks the center of the Park and "the Green."

Franklin Photos - August, 2007, Conor O'Shea