Trending
the erection of the brick carvings on New Ulm's historical trail has been initiated by New Ulm Business Districts, sponsor of the project.
Historical trail co-chairmen Richard Heymann and Clara Schonlau said that approximately $8,000 will be needed to complete the project which depicts the life style of the settler and Indian cultures in New Ulm in the 1850's. The brick carvings, by Gordon Dingman of Southwest State College at Marshall, are affixed to the Pink building in the downtown area.
No federal funds have been used on this project. Expenses of almost $5,000 so far have been shared equally by Southwest State College in the form of a special grant and by New Ulm Business Districts.
The money expended so far has been for the carving of the bricks and delivery to New Ulm. New Ulm Business Districts will have to stand the expense for applying the bricks to the wall and already has a bill of over $5,000. The balance of the funds will be required to pay for additional "settings", landscaping, etc.
The committee has started a campaign to sell "bricks" used or to be used in the project. Contributors will receive certificates indicating they are co-sponsors of a heritage preservation project.
New Ulm FFA will also assist in the drive and will later be involved in other aspects of the development.
The brick carvings were applied to the Pinks' wall because of the location's significance in the over-all plans for the Trail. Eventually a special display of the battles of 1862 will be erected in the same area. The carvings depict the life style at the time prior to the outbreak of the Indian uprising and shows how the two cultures were blending but with overtones of an upcoming strife.
For instance, the Indian mounted on horseback, is observing his own quiet life but his gaze is directed towards the settler who is starting to cut down trees and move earth and from there his gaze would be directed to the display of the battles – or the result of 10 years later.
In addition to gifts from businesses and professional people,the sponsors expect countless smaller purchases at a "buck a brick". Some have already made purchases in the names of children and grandchildren.
The carvings are beginning to attract considerable interest and upon its completion are expected to become a major southern Minnesota tourist attraction.
Mrs. T.R. Fritsche and Mrs. Clara Schonlau of the committee are accepting "sponsorships" through this coming week. Certificates will also be on sale at the local banks the week of Dec. 19 or may be purchased by sending a contribution to "New Ulm Business Districts, Box 384, New Ulm, Mn. 56073."
In-person contributions may be made to members of the New Ulm Business Districts. Most New Ulm central business district businessmen are members of the group.
New Ulm Daily Journal, Dec. 9, 1973