Historical Association of Lewiston volunteers inspect clay model of sculptures before bronzing

A number of Lewiston volunteers recently gathered at Susan Geissler's art studio in Youngstown to inspect the larger-than-life-size clay models of the Tuscarora Heroes Monument. This was the last chance they had to examine the details before the models were shipped to Colorado to begin a three-month bronzing process.

The finished pieces will be delivered this August and installed. The dedication and unveiling will take place Dec. 19, the 200^th anniversary of the British attack on Lewiston during the War of 1812.

The Tuscaroras were outnumbered 30-to-1 by the enemy, but were able to delay the attack long enough to enable dozens of Lewiston citizens to escape down Ridge Road. About a dozen Lewiston citizens were killed during the attack.

Attending the preview, pictured, from left: Francene Patterson and Neil Patterson Sr., from the Tuscarora Nation; Jon MacSwan, weaponry consultant; Bruce Sutherland, president of the Historical Association of Lewiston; and volunteers Tim Henderson, Brian Beebe, Tim Tutko, Skip Hauth, and Bob and Anne Welch. Lee Simonson, volunteer project director, and Geissler, the monument artist, are kneeling in front.

This project received the unanimous endorsement of the Greenway Commission and is the largest 1812 Bicentennial monument project in the U.S. The Associated Press recently published a story about the monument,  which has appeared in newspapers from coast to coast, including the Wall Street Journal.