November 28, 1939
Governors of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and officers of Fort Bliss and high ranking officers in Washington will be invited to attend a formal dedication at 2 p.m. March 29 of a granite statue which is being erected a s a tribute to the memory of pioneer cavalrymen of the Southwest, according to Irving Schwartz, chairman of local committee on arrangements.
The statue, which represents that historic and rugged character, will be located on the triangular plot in front of Scottish Rite Temple.
Provided By Pioneer
The statue was made possible through a provision on the will of the late Percival Henderson, pioneer El Paso cattle and mining man. The sum provided was between $15,000 and $20,000.
On the same day the statue is dedicated the Henderson Memorial, a baby clinic in the south part of the city, also made possible through a bequest in Mr. Henderson’s will, also will be dedicated and turned over to the City. This is being built at a cost of between $40,000 and $50,000.
The property on which the statue of cavalryman is to be located will be turned over to the City, which is to take care of both.
Richard H. Eurich, Youngstown, O., administrator of the Henderson estate, will attend the dedication ceremonies.
City Will Accept
Mr. Schwartz and Prcy McGhee, a member of the local committee, Monday called on Mayor J.E. Anderson, who said he would accept the statue and baby clinic for the City.
Dedication of the statue, which was completed by Jose Ruiz de Rivera, internationally known sculptor, was arranged at a time when the Shrine Directors Association of America will be holding a convention here. During he same week, there will be a Scottish Rite Reunion and Shrine ceremonial.
The statue, finished by Mr. Rivera in Coopersburg, Pa, is expected to be shipped here next week and to be set up within two weeks.
The figure of the pioneer cavalryman, holding a saddle with one hand, stands nine feet high. It rests on a six-foot pedestal. The entire piece weighs 14 tons.
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