The "Spirit of Detroit" might have been a bit tarnished, but a recent refurbishment has put it back in the condition it deserves. And, precisely 50 years to the day of its original dedication, it will be rededicated.
The "Spirit" was dedicated on September 23,
1958, with famed sculptor Marshall Fredericks on hand. He said that the statue,"represents the spirit of
man. In his left hand he holds a symbol of God and in the right
hand, a family group. It expresses the concept that God, through
the spirit of man, is manifested in the family, the noblest
relationship."
Gregg McDuffee of the Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority thinks the timing couldn't be better for the city to take part in a celebration of this nature. "The 'Spirit of Detroit' always
symbolizes the essence of Detroit and renewal and, frankly, Detroiters
personify that," he says. "Politically, for the city of Detroit and all of Michigan, it's been a difficult year of political
turmoil, and here we’re celebrating a great anniversary with a real sense of hope and renewal."
Firms Chezcore and Venus Bronze Works of Detroit as well as Birmingham's CASO-IMPEX worked on the statue, the marble backdrop and base.
The rededication ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at noon. It will close with comments regarding Colin Hubbell and Ray Parker, both committed Detroiters who passed away this summer.
Source: Greg McDuffee, DWJBA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Photo by
Marvin Shaouni
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