Shelbyville in Shelby County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

"Let's Debate" by John McClarey

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

1. " Let's Debate " by John McClarey Marker

(Click on any of these photos to see the details.)

Inscription. Sculptor John McClarey is a former Illinois high school history teacher with an international reputation as an artistic interpreter of Abraham Lincoln. He has won many prestigious awards for his work, including the Order of Lincoln in 2009. His Lincoln statuary is on display in such Illinois cities as Vandalia, Charleston, Decatur, Springfield, New Salem, Taylorville, Hillsboro, Peoria and Metamora.

The positioning and “body language” of the two statues is meant to convey a spirit of friendly debate in a bi-partisan context. The statuary suggests the need that existed then and now to work together in a friendly and civil manner in order to find lasting solutions to common problems. Both Abraham Lincoln and Anthony Thornton exhibited a great magnanimity of spirit during the debate. And the theme of rational political discourse is always timely.

Finally, the dramatic placement of the statuary in front of the Shelby County Courthouse visually links the statues to the surrounding natural environment while at the same time connecting the past of Abraham Lincoln and Anthony Thornton to our on-going present.

Erected 2009 by Shelby County Lincoln Heritage Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2009.

Location. 39° 24.409′ N, 88° 47.45′ W. Marker is in Shelbyville, Illinois, in Shelby County. Marker is on East Main Street west of South Washington Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker and statues are at the (South) front entrance to the Shelby County Courthouse in Shelbyville, Illinois. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shelbyville IL 62565, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln - Thornton Debate (here, next to this marker); Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Shelby County Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (a few steps from this marker); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln-Thornton Debate / Lincoln Circuit (within shouting distance of this marker); First Commercial Pick-up Baler (within shouting distance of this marker); Anthony Thornton (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelbyville.

" Let's Debate " - - Donors Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

2. " Let's Debate " - - Donors Plaque

" Let's Debate " Statues image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

3. " Let's Debate " Statues

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

4. " Let's Debate " Statues

" Let's Debate " - - - 'Abraham Lincoln' Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

5. " Let's Debate " - - - 'Abraham Lincoln' Statue

" Let's Debate " - - - 'Anthony Thornton' Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

6. " Let's Debate " - - - 'Anthony Thornton' Statue

Obverse - - " Let's Debate " Statues image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

7. Obverse - - " Let's Debate " Statues

Other View - - " Let's Debate " Statues image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

8. Other View - - " Let's Debate " Statues

Just up the Hill and on the Right . . . image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

9. Just up the Hill and on the Right . . .

In this photo - - we are looking West on State Road 16 entering Shelbyville from the East. The Courthouse will be on the right.

" Let's Debate " Statues & Shelby County Courthouse Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, May 15, 2010

10. " Let's Debate " Statues & Shelby County Courthouse Entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,003 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on May 19, 2010, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.