Statue honors Germans from Russia

BY JOHN BARRETTE

Lincoln Journal Star

A statue depicting German‑Russian immigrants to the United States now graces the entrance to the Lincoln headquarters of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia

It was placed Monday at the entrance of the Jake Sinner International Headquarters of the nonprofit historical research organization. It will be dedicated Oct. 4, when the society will hold a Germanfest

"Both pieces are up and in place," Kathy Schultz, executive director for the organization, said late Monday.

The seven‑foot limestone statue features a man with children on one side of a cross and a woman with children on the other side.

Schultz said getting both pieces of the large statue in place took a little more time and effort than originally planned, but the crossbar of the cross was the only part of the job left to be completed today. The statue replaces a fountain, which had fallen into disrepair.

Sculptor Pete Felton of Hays, Kan., was on hand to help move his work into position. The statue is a replica of one Felton previously did that stands in Victoria, Kans.

Randy Stramel of Architectural Alliance/Ltd., a member of the society, is donating his time and talents for completion of the project. U.S. Bank in Lincoln donated $6,000 toward the cost of the statue, and other Lincoln businesses donated items to be raffled to help defray additional costs.

Bricks with family names on them will be placed around the base of the statue in Lincoln as a memorial tribute.

Society members and chapters, as well as numerous organizations and businesses, have purchased bricks to leave a lasting legacy for relatives. The society said brick purchases are tax deductible and funds will help pay for landscaping and placement of the statue

The Oct. 4 Germanfest event, setting for the statue dedication, will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Various activities are planned, including live music, a raffle and bake sale, and activities for children. Food vendors also will be on site at 631 D St. ,