This is a small model, or a maquette, of a sculpture of three men who represent the sand miners who worked in the sand pits of Port Washington for one hundred and twenty years. The sand mines supplied, believe it or not, eighty percent of the sand used in making concrete for the buildings of the New York City Skyline! This model is about 12 inches tall, and the actual sculpture is life-size, both done by Edward Jonas. It is a stunning sculpture to see in person, located outdoors on Shore road on the western side of Hempstead Harbor. This model is in the Port Washington Public Library.
4 comments:
What an amazing story about the sand being used for concrete for the buildings in NYC. The details in the small sculpture is incredible! Someday, you will have to post a photo of the actual life-size sculpture. bsk
I'm sure there's a maquette somewhere of three women, depicted in work mode - maybe one at the stove, another washing clothes by hand or hanging them on a line, and maybe one female feeding a baby with another kid hanging onto the hem of her dress. Yes, guys worked, did the physical labor and had opportunities to become heroes and part of history. The women were expected to take care of everything else - and we did, because we know how to balance, juggle and make do. Hooray for the intelligent, strong and tireless women who have been the backbone of this country, supporting the men who have gotten the accolades.
Very interesting story & great statue. You are always so informative.
Joan
Thank you all for your comments. There is a book published by the Port Washington Public Library about the sand miners and their wives and families who lived and worked there. There are photographs of the families, and the rustic housing they lived in. Because it was a mix of immigrants, there was a powerful sense of community there. It was dangerous work, and workers were low paid, and in danger of loosing arms and legs, and even their lives in collapses of the huge sand banks.
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