Lenoir in Caldwell County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Blackwelder Park
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024
1. Blackwelder Park Marker
In 2012, artist Thomas Sayre created the earthcast sculpture "Across the Grain", which occupies the Church Street/Harper Avenue corner of the park. The name of the sculpture recognizes the role of the furniture industry in the history of Lenoir and celebrates the energy and resourcefulness that will drive the spirit and economy of the future. To cut across the grain is to make a commitment to action. Financed by private donations, the sculpture's donors are recognized in the winding stone path that leads to the 26 foot sculpture.
"This ability to commit to doing something ensures that there is a future...the act of bringing this sculpture to Lenoir is going across the grain, and I get the sense there is something unique here."-Thomas Sayre
City of Lenoir Council
Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor
T.J. Rohr, Mayor Pro-Tempore
Todd H. Perdue Merlin F.
this page online
W. Lane Bailey, City Manager
Danny Gilbert, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director
Special thanks to the following for their assistance in this project:
Lee Carol Giduz, Caldwell Arts Council
Erected 2013 by City of Lenoir.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.
Location. 35° 54.797′ N, 81° 32.39′ W. Marker is in Lenoir, North Carolina, in Caldwell County. It is at the intersection of Church Street SW and Harper Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Church Street SW. Located south of the "Across the Grain" sculpture. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 903 Harper Ave SW, Lenoir NC 28645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024
2. Blackwelder Park Marker, looking northwest towards the "Across the Grain" sculpture
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. James Episcopal Church Labyrinth (within shouting distance of this marker); Raiders in Lenoir (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithey's Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Belk's Department Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Davenport College (about 400 feet away); Hog Waller Market in Downtown Lenoir (about 500 feet away); Lenoir City Clock (about 500 feet away); United States Post Office (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lenoir.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Raiders in Lenoir (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024
3. "Across the Grain" sculpture. Blackwelder Park Marker to the far left in front of the power pole.
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024
4. Across the Grain sculpture
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 22, 2024
5. "Across the Grain"
Clearscape
2012
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 556 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 22, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
