Hamilton in Butler County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lentil Park

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

1. Lentil Park Marker

Inscription.

Lentil Park. . , This park was established by the Hamilton Community Foundation on land owned by the city. It was one of several major legacy gifts to Hamilton by the Foundation in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. The Foundation wished to honor Hamilton's famous native son, Robert McCloskey, award-winning author and illustrator of children's books., Nancy Schön, internationally renowned Boston sculptor and close friend of Mr. McCloskey, was commissioned to create a large bronze likeness of Lentil and his dog. Lentil was the popular character in McCloskey's first book, "Lentil", one of three of his books which reflect his Hamilton childhood. The dog (unnamed in the book) acquired the name "Harmony" as a result of a children's contest. Mrs. Schön is widely recognized for her sculpture of "Mrs. Mallard and her 8 Ducklings" in the Boston Public Garden (and later in Moscow), inspired by another McCloskey book, "Make Way for Ducklings"., Robert McCloskey received many honors during his lifetime. He was the first author to be awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal twice. In 2000, the Library of Congress presented its "Living Legend" Medal to him. He was unique in that his talents were both literary and artistic., His talents as an artist were demonstrated at an early age; when only 19 years old, he was chosen to design the bas relief carvings featured on both the exterior and interior of the new Municipal Building, which opened in 1935. His influence is evidenced throughout the beautiful art deco structure. A new organization, Heritage Hall, was formed in 2003 for the purpose of helping to promote and preserve local and county history. It is located in a portion of the former Municipal Building adjacent to this park. In addition to rotating exhibits, it includes a permanent McCloskey Museum with a large collection of paintings, personal items, films and other memorabilia. Please plan to visit Heritage Hall., This beautiful park, dedicated with the unveiling of the Lentil sculpture on September 21, 2001, officially was designated "Lentil Park" by the Hamilton City Council in September of 2005., The Hamilton Community Foundation May, 2007

This park was established by the Hamilton Community Foundation on land owned by the city. It was one of several major legacy gifts to Hamilton by the Foundation in celebration of its 50th Anniversary. The Foundation wished to honor Hamilton's famous native son, Robert McCloskey, award-winning author and illustrator of children's books.

Nancy Schön, internationally renowned Boston sculptor and close friend of Mr. McCloskey, was commissioned to create a large bronze likeness of Lentil and his dog. Lentil was the popular character in McCloskey's first book, "Lentil", one of three of his books which reflect his Hamilton childhood. The dog (unnamed in the book) acquired the name "Harmony" as a result of a children's contest. Mrs. Schön is widely recognized for her sculpture of "Mrs. Mallard and her 8 Ducklings" in the Boston Public Garden (and later in Moscow), inspired by another McCloskey book, "Make Way for Ducklings".

Robert McCloskey received many honors during his lifetime. He was the first author to be awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal twice. In 2000, the Library of Congress presented its "Living Legend" Medal to him. He was unique in that his talents were both literary and artistic.

His talents as an artist were demonstrated at an early age; when only 19 years old, he was chosen to design

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the bas relief carvings featured on both the exterior and interior of the new Municipal Building, which opened in 1935. His influence is evidenced throughout the beautiful art deco structure. A new organization, Heritage Hall, was formed in 2003 for the purpose of helping to promote and preserve local and county history. It is located in a portion of the former Municipal Building adjacent to this park. In addition to rotating exhibits, it includes a permanent McCloskey Museum with a large collection of paintings, personal items, films and other memorabilia. Please plan to visit Heritage Hall.

This beautiful park, dedicated with the unveiling of the Lentil sculpture on September 21, 2001, officially was designated "Lentil Park" by the Hamilton City Council in September of 2005.

The Hamilton Community Foundation May, 2007

Erected 2007 by Hamilton Community Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.

Location. 39° 24.028′ N, 84° 33.808′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ohio, in Butler County. Marker is at the intersection of High Street (Ohio Route 129/177) and Front Street, on the right when traveling west on High Street

Lentil Park and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

2. Lentil Park and Marker

. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hamilton OH 45011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lentil (a few steps from this marker); Fredrick G. Mueller Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Replica Liberty Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Flood Level (within shouting distance of this marker); Heritage Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Butler County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); The Old Well (about 400 feet away); Hamilton (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . .
1. Robert McCloskey. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 3, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. Robert McCloskey. Ohio Reading Road Trip website entry (Submitted on May 11, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Lentil Sculpture Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

3. Lentil Sculpture Marker

Lentil Sculpture in Lentil Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 2, 2009

4. Lentil Sculpture in Lentil Park

Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 708 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 11, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.