Lady in the Park reception

Over 30 people attended the reception Sunday for the Lady in the Park statue, according to Emily Weil, secretary of the Wayne County Historical Association.

The association held the event to welcome the old statue to its new home at the Wayne County Museum. It was the centerpiece of Herman Park for almost 90 years. It is a rendition of a sculpture of Hebe, the Greek goddess of eternal youth.

During the event, Mrs. Weil and her mother, Mildred Newman, played several four-hand selections on the piano. Madeline Edwards, a grade-schooler, sang two or three operatic selections accompanied by her grandmother.

Charlie Gaylor, the event's emcee, thanked the city for giving the statue to the museum. He also thanked Louis Marriner, who repaired the statue after it had lost its head and an arm.

Betty Ellis, an association board member, read a letter written by her husband, Charles B. Ellis, to the "Lady in the Park" from Ellis' grandfather, James Earp.

Participants should send their entries by March 15 to: Wayne County Museum, 116 N. William St., Goldsboro, N.C. 27530, Attention: Story Entry. People can also bring them by the museum.

For more information on the contest or becoming a member of the association, call the museum at 734-5023. Its hours are from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

By Don McLoud
Published in News on January 29, 2004 02:00 PM