Tacoma Urbanist
Mar. 4, 2008 at 12:33am
Goddess of Commerce Statute to Grace Tollefson Plaza
Melted Down in the 1940s for Copper
Have you wondered why downtown Tacoma just doesn't have the spark it should? True, many of our historical buildings have been razed for parking lots our City Clock on Old City Hall (which is vacant BTW) is stuck at 3:17. One of the best streetcar systems in the country was ripped out. All true.
Yet, there is another reason. Tacoma's 10' Goddess of Commerce was removed from downtown from 12th and Pacific in the 1940s. Worse, she was melted down for scrap. The building she was located on was razed.
Now there is a opportunity to resurrect her and bring her to Tollefson Plaza a few blocks away.
Tonight I heard a presentation from "Babe" Lehrer at the North End Neighborhood Council who is working to have the 7' 4" Goddess recreated on the grass area right in front of the Carlton Building overlooking Tollefson Plaza.
Here was a miniture version that was unveiled tonight. The one that hopefully will be in the plaza will be 7' 4" tall.
Here's how the layout will look by the Carlton Building:
Here's a view from the Carlton Building to the Plaza.
The sculptor is Marilyn Mahoney. The sculpture has fish running down the back and into a pool of sorts. Sounds weird but looks pretty cool.
Here's the deal. They need $124,000 to build it.
The 501 (c)(3) tax deductible donations can be sent to
Tacoma Historical Society
PO Box 1865
Tacoma, WA 98401
Apparently, one of the bronze fish can be "purchased" for $5000.
Commentary
Tacoma was a grand city at the turn of the century. This is just one of a hundred examples of how subsequent generations of Tacomans treated the city like a scrapyard and disposal site of one sort or another. Even the best of Tacoma's historians probably know but fraction of what was lost in the city. The present generation is left to pick up the pieces and restore and replace what we can.
(Thanks to TDM for the newsclip)
comments [66] | posted under tacoma, washington
Comments
 by intacoma on 3/4/2008 @ 4:09am | I think she needs to be more like superhero instead of stayhome mom |
 by KevinFreitas on 3/4/2008 @ 6:24am | Wasn't there supposed to be a totem put on display there? I wonder if that's still happening or if this is the replacement? A nice addition to the area nonetheless. |
 by jenyum on 3/4/2008 @ 7:29am | Are you saying stay at home moms can't be superheroes?
Do I have to climb into my giant robot and stomp you? |
 by jcbetty on 3/4/2008 @ 8:28am | heh. Down, Jen-- I think he's talking about a different species of mother, the "stay home mom" (or, shm) rather than the stay AT home mom (which we know, and live)(And we're pretty hot and superhero-like, imho)
--Statue sounds cool! |
 by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 8:52am | the statue ain't got no hips! has the sculptor ever seen a female body? It looks like a man.
|
 by morgan on 3/4/2008 @ 8:55am | I would like to see the building replicated too. |
by jcbetty on 3/4/2008 @ 10:06am | building replica bldg. would be cool. And, note to RR-- I think it's an *artistic* *representation*, kinda' like Jesus on Madonna's lap in Pieta, or Barbie's bosom, "objects are not to scale" -but god bless you for that validation of a woman's right to be a woman. |
 by Voronoff-the-Ghost-Critic on 3/4/2008 @ 10:40am | Tacoma needs more STATUES
I know a living statue.... |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 11:07am | everything about this statue is wrong. look how (s)he's holding the tanker... like a big fat penis envy metaphor. the lumpy dress sleeves look like turds. the building scape in her other hand look like stolen pharmaceuticals.
It's like we're trying to punish/humiliate the legacy of that Toffefson guy. why don't we just buy a statue of Stalin or Sadam Hussein... atleast we'd be paying for quality design. |
 by Erik on 3/4/2008 @ 11:11am | The statute design I do like the original design better with the spear. However, I suppose it is seen as too aggressive these days. On the other hand, the new "Goddess of Commerce" is scaled about 10 times the size of the freighter she is carrying which would make her effectively 4000 feet tall which is nearly a mile. Thus, though benign looking, her scaled size is pretty impressive. Location The location is pretty good IMO. The statute would be elevated above the plaza and gaze over it rather than being stuck in the middle of the plaza. why don't we just buy a statue of Stalin or Sadam Hussein... atleast we'd be paying for quality design. I am not sure that they would be appropriate for "commerce." Most of those statutes were melted down although I think Freemont may have one. Also, the prior "Goddess of Commerce" ultimately was defeated and melted down, so perhaps another more thoughtful "Goddess" approach is needed. |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 11:15am | I like Marilyn Mahoney's mermaid
 |
by intacoma on 3/4/2008 @ 11:46am | Thats right jcbetty :)
I just feel if your going to tag it with goddess that it should be strong, beautiful, and doing something interesting. She looks like shes holding a bedpan and crying. I guess thats the feeling of downtown right now... I vote for NineIncheNachos to be commissioned |
by Erik on 3/4/2008 @ 11:56am | I vote for NineIncheNachos to be commissioned
RR has already given us his self portrait version of "Goddess of Commerce" on Tollefson Plaza. I just feel if your going to tag it with goddess that it should be strong, beautiful, and doing something interesting. She could use a better action posture. Although I don't know what that would be. Tacoma has some pretty good sculptures that show some sort of movement. |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 12:22pm | maybe something more entrepreneurial, audacious
something ayn rand would want in her front yard. |
by Erik on 3/4/2008 @ 12:24pm | Love it. Here's lady justice in England on top of the Old Bailey:  More aggressive that the typical ones in the US. Looks like she is ready for a scrap. Here's a Chamber piece:  The Goddess having both arms down carrying something in both hands makes it hard for the statute to show movement or much flair. |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 12:27pm |  |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 12:29pm |  |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 12:34pm | 
 |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 12:42pm |  |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 12:44pm | minoan or how bad ass would this be:  shes part beast! |
by Erik on 3/4/2008 @ 12:50pm | Of course, there's the standard reference. The SOL is not moving but is taking the action of shining light. |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 1:00pm | ah french women. |
by Erik on 3/4/2008 @ 1:12pm | Here's a close up comparison. Modified a bit: She does look a bit weighted down from the burden of having to carry the objects. Not much mojo. One has to ask what is the figure doing? So much potential with the arms. Still nice IMO but could be better. I suspect that the statute has not been made yet perhaps there is time for a modification. I understand there has only been one fish sold so far. |
by Erik on 3/4/2008 @ 1:27pm | Here's the original Goddess of Commerce scaled somewhat: |
by intacoma on 3/4/2008 @ 1:36pm |   I really don't want it to be another one of these |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 2:02pm | what I like about the original 1800 statue..
- she's wearing a helmet - she's freakin' brawny - she's holding the world in the palm of her hand, leaving the idea of global commerce vague and open to individual interpretation. what I hate about the new design... - no helmet - the vapid "What Me Worry?" expression - specific reference of freight vessel, real-estate, no global connection. - gangly ape arms - position of ship in relation to groin region. |
by jenyum on 3/4/2008 @ 2:39pm | OK, I definitely agree. She looks like she's about to offer someone an iced tea.
Not very goddess-like. |
 by Tacoma Boy on 3/4/2008 @ 6:21pm | @ Voronoff: More statues? Absolutely. We need more art in this town!
Personally, I'd love to see a 20' version of the original. My grandpa had a pretty slick picture of the original he took back in '38. It got lost after he died, how I would love to see that picture again. |
by jcbetty on 3/4/2008 @ 7:35pm | WTF? is she nestling to her breast? A deformed square-ish baby, suckling with its foot? I dunno. in this light, she has a sort of Scandinavian Pocahontas meets Angelina Jolie look to her that's part malnourished, idealized sad person, part.... I dunno. Not compelling to look at, except possibly sadly? (There's a sadness to her posture, I think, that says less "Goddess" and more, "I'm forking tired.") |
by NineInchNachos on 3/4/2008 @ 7:49pm | I wonder if the Business Examiner will mention this thread in their Wednesday "Blog Watch" one can only hope |
 by fredo on 3/4/2008 @ 8:36pm | The figure looks like Miss Crunchabal from "Matilda". It least she isn't made of glass. With a little luck it may be a couple of years before the vandals destroy her.
A more interesting subject for the sculpture would be our mayor complete with spinning head. |
 by AP on 3/4/2008 @ 11:43pm |  |
by AP on 3/4/2008 @ 11:45pm | 
I like clean lines. |
 by Warren on 3/6/2008 @ 10:58am | NIN is right on with every point. JCBetty too!
I like the alternative examples presented here. Anything Ayn Rand would like gets my Vote. But we do need to be more thoughtful about this. Whose idea was it to just plop down a statue here or anywhere? Did the City of Tacoma contact her about resurecting the goddess or did the merchants? Oh Gee I have had a sculpture idea for a while now that I want to push on everyone too, perhaps I can get some money for it and stick in the heart of downtown. We need more art in Tacoma, sure - why not? But not more art at the expense and detriment of taste? The maquette I saw this morning at the DMG is pretty hideous. Besides this grass area in front of our shops (Tacoma Art Supply & TwoKoi) is not a good place for a sculpture dumping ground. InTacoma is right also, the previous statues by this artist are creepy. The ship down there is weirdo. I think the so called Native American features on this statue are punishment to Native Americans as well as that Toffefson guy. No Sculpture Dumping Grounds! Warren Tacoma Art Supply |
by Erik on 3/6/2008 @ 11:45am | Oh Gee I have had a sculpture idea for a while now that I want to push on everyone too, perhaps I can get some money for it and stick in the heart of downtown. Good bring it on. The Tacoma Art Museum has a blank plaza they still have not had an art piece for. Frost Park could have something. At WWU, they have erected some very strange large art pieces in the 1970s. One is orange and made out of I beams. They are generally disliked but they are iconic and memorable. Goddess of Commerce is certainly better. As for reviewing art, there is the Tacoma Arts Commission who analyzes art and makes recommendations. About the Commission The Tacoma Arts Commission is a 15 member volunteer commission made up of Tacoma residents who are arts advocates and artists. Commission members are appointed by the Tacoma City Council following an application process. The Commission's functions are outlined in Chapter 1.28 of the Tacoma Municipal Code. Created in 1965, the Tacoma Arts Commission is one of the oldest arts commissions in Washington State. www.tacomaculture.org/arts/tac.asp |
by NineInchNachos on 3/6/2008 @ 12:00pm | maybe if she was wearing a tophat or fez I would feel differently. |
by Erik on 3/6/2008 @ 12:27pm | maybe if she was wearing a tophat or fez I would feel differently.
There is always the Guerrilla art approach. |
 by izenmania on 3/6/2008 @ 1:07pm | She could have a different hat every week!
Actually, I have an even more brilliant idea. We put her on a couple foot cube pedestal, which contains a hollow chamber. Inside the base is an assortment of outfits, hats, and accessories... whatever old costume stuff the local theatres don't need anymore. Then any passer-by is welcome to mix and match and dress her up however they please. Any takers? Anybody? |
 by tacomachickadee on 3/6/2008 @ 3:04pm | See here for Portland's Portlandia statue ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portlandia |
by NineInchNachos on 3/6/2008 @ 3:13pm | hey now thats a goddess. I dig the trident.  |
by tacomachickadee on 3/6/2008 @ 8:28pm | I thought you might like it ... |
by tacomachickadee on 3/6/2008 @ 8:30pm | I remember back when I lived in the PDX "metro area" and they installed the lovely Portlandia. I love that it's not right smack in the main traffic areas and that you kind of have to hunt for it. It's like they're saying "it's fabulous, but ya gotta find it" ... not trying to flaunt it. And it is fabulous. |
by fredo on 3/6/2008 @ 10:01pm | What is the scrap value of this sculpture compared to the one that was melted down in the 1940s? |
by NineInchNachos on 3/10/2008 @ 4:00pm | my god, they're going to shoe horn this through! |
by intacoma on 3/10/2008 @ 4:23pm | I just called that number and left a message I will be attending the historic meeting tonight in hope of giving them my opinion and one else want to join me? |
by KevinFreitas on 3/10/2008 @ 4:29pm | Email info@tacomahistory.org or call 253-472-3738 to voice any concerns. Here's an email I just sent over:
Please consider this email as opposition to the currently proposed design of the Commerce satue slated to be a permanent fixture at Tollefson Plaza. Discussion over at FeedTacoma.com (see i.feedtacoma.com/Erik/goddess-commerce-s...) brought this design to my attention and I'd like to submit the comments at that link to the public record on the matter. I feel that the strength of the statue's image is weak at best and am concerned with a conflict of interest if it's true that the artist is also a part of the Tacoma Arts Commission. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to more public discussion into designing an alternative that Tacoman's can truly be proud of. |
by intacoma on 3/10/2008 @ 4:44pm | The meeting tonight is at 7pm and the main library I think |
by Erik on 3/10/2008 @ 4:48pm | There looks to be two issues that need to be separated. First, should there be a Goddess of Commerce in Tollefson Plaza? Second, what should the statute look like? I like the first proposal but agree there could be some improvements in the second. To put the issue as succinctly as possible: if Tacoma is going to be able to stand up the the likes of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Goddess needs more mojo! |
by KevinFreitas on 3/10/2008 @ 4:49pm | Correction: the artist in question isn't on the Tacoma Arts Commission. Thanks Izenmania! |
by NineInchNachos on 3/10/2008 @ 4:50pm | from index article: "In another arm, she is holding a container ship"
RR Trivia: my tremendous pencil from 'super tacomic' is a parody of the goddess' container ship pose. |
by intacoma on 3/10/2008 @ 5:40pm | ok I'm not going to the historic meeting since I don't think this is the appropriate time after talking with a few people. I'll talk with the person in charge of fundraising for this sculpture and get back to you.
thanks |
by Erik on 3/10/2008 @ 5:58pm | I'll talk with the person in charge of fund raising for this sculpture and get back to you. Nice work. Here's the chance to have some input in the project early. Since the fund raising has just started and the statute has not been built yet, perhaps this is an opportunity to expand the number of Goddess of Commerce supporters. With a better design, this could expand the number of "stakeholders" and make it more of a win/win/win. We could even help with a fund raiser in Tollefson Plaza. In addition to the design, how about a bigger statute? 7'4" seems too small for Tollefson Plaza. That's not enough to hold off Hammering Man.  |
by NineInchNachos on 3/10/2008 @ 6:02pm | I like the statue idea. Taller statues are good as well but if the need for thriftiness is paramount we can always put that sucker on a real tall pedestal. |
by intacoma on 3/10/2008 @ 6:07pm | Griselda "Babe" Lehrer is fundraising for this event if you want someone to talk to about the sculpture she's the one |
by Erik on 3/10/2008 @ 6:18pm | Griselda "Babe" Lehrer is fundraising for this event if you want someone to talk to about the sculpture she's the one Yes. She gave a good presentation before the NENC. Great lady. She is probably one of the reasons Tacoma was not abandoned in its entirety in the 1970s and 1980s. Shes doing a great job with the fund raising for the Goddess. The idea of a "Goddess of Commerce" in Tollefson Plaza is a great one. Here's the time to resolve the final statute design. Here's another alternative from the historic angle: simply try to rebuilt the original Goddess from pictures and drawings. It would probably be far better than any "modern" statute is going to be. Perhaps we can have a Feed Tacoma fundraising event and raise money by auctioning off Tacomics and bandwidth and make a website for "The Goddess." |
by tacomachickadee on 3/10/2008 @ 6:46pm | Babe is fantabulastic. |
 by ensie on 3/10/2008 @ 9:24pm | Babe is AWESOME. I've met with her on more than one occasion. |
by intacoma on 3/10/2008 @ 11:18pm | Great so tell her how you feel about it |
by Warren on 5/13/2008 @ 10:10pm | Is there still a chance to pour some more water on this fire?
I was told by one of our native carvers that there are Puyallup Tribal council members already upset about the representation of Native Americans this sculpture presuposes. I am sure everyone involved with this has the best intentions, but there is a road by the same name and you know where it goes. There are just too many things about this that are WRONG and I didn't make them up. But I am willing to speak up. |
 by Adam the Alien on 5/14/2008 @ 12:05am | Oh my God!
Statue: good idea. This statue: fugly. For all the reasons already stated. Planned placement of fugly statue: complete shit. See "How to Make the Plaza Worse" chapter in "Things Not To Do, God Damn It". Seriously, that seems like a rather random and ill-planned placement. Statue placement is much like a tattoo. If you plan a tattoo to work with the flow of the body, it looks great. If you just kind a go "Uhhhh...put it...um...there! Yeah, there's good" like most people do? It looks terrible, no matter how beautiful the art itself is. Similarly, statues need to work with the space that they're in. Mediocre statues like this one need to even moreso. The statue is too small, in comparison to its very open surroundings, to work. It's aimed to be in a fairly random location in the "park" (no matter how much "planning" anyone tries to claim went into the placement of it). And the shape of the statue itself doesn't work with its surroundings. Furthermore, I don't know what kind of trees those are...are they going to grow any larger? If so, the statue's proximity to them will be its undoing, eventually. Summary: ugly statue, ugly placement. Doesn't work. It WILL make the much-maligned bit of so-called park a lot harder to look at. |
by Warren on 5/14/2008 @ 3:24pm | I was just told they are casting it right now! |
by NineInchNachos on 5/14/2008 @ 3:31pm | well when it's finished we can always start a subversive campaign by putting a paper bag over her head (with eye holes cut out of course). |
by izenmania on 5/14/2008 @ 3:39pm | A statue of AP? |
by Warren on 5/14/2008 @ 3:55pm | Slight correction about the artist being on the Arts Commission. She was on the commission less than a year ago.
www.tacomaculture.org/arts/resource/TA_M... |
 by Dave L. on 5/14/2008 @ 4:30pm | Great thread. Good call, jennyum... and Morgan, re: the building.
search.tpl.lib.wa.us/images/dt3.asp?SX=2... |
by Dave L. on 5/14/2008 @ 4:59pm | Oops, sorry.
search.tpl.lib.wa.us/images2/88/t4/21175... search.tacomapubliclibrary.org/buildings... Anyway, speaking of great Tacoma statues, the 1893 Italian statue of "Colombo" (carved for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago) that stands inside the Antique Standwich has a classic character, plus a nice pose. |
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