Statue will honor Fountain’s lumber heritage

FOUNTAIN — The Village of Fountain is moving ahead with its stop on the Mason County cultural tourism sculpture heritage trail. The village, one of six stops on the trail, is commissioning a logging-themed statue.

The statue, “Up from the Swamp,” will feature two horses pulling a log out of a swamp. It will be located in the newly created Heritage Park located at the corner of Cleveland and River streets. It is being sculpted by Rueban Llano of New Era.

The small park will also feature benches. Its foundation was poured earlier this month.
The Fountain Chamber of Commerce is leading the way to raise money for the park and statue, no tax dollars are being used. Village councilor Jerry Chancellor said the cost is estimated between $15,000 and $20,000.

To date the chamber has only raised enough money to pay for the foundation, thanks in part to a grant from the Robert R. and Joan Hasenbank Fund of the Mason County Community Fountain.

Chancellor said the goal is to raise enough money to have the sculpture built in October. Those wishing to donate may do so by sending to Fountain Chamber of Commerce, c/o Heritage Park, Fountain, MI 49410.