The Lady of Justice
~Above photo courtesy of Mark Moore.
~ Story from The CCHS Archives, unknown author.
~ The
"Lady of Justice" came down from her pedestal on July 23, 1981. This
was quite an attraction to the area residents. KDKA-TV crews from Pittsburgh
were on the scene filming the descent of the lady. At approximately
3:30pm she was raised from her position by pulley. Scaffolding was
erected around her previous to her removal. Three workmen carefully
guided her down to the main roof then lowered her. Prior to this the
crew did not know how much she actually weighed and removal of the
statue was a main concern on their part.
Upon examination she
was quite deteriorated. Her left arm, the arm that held the "scales of
justice" was missing. Rumor has it that a small airplane hit her arm and
scales a few years ago causing the statue considerable damage. There
were approximately 25 bullet holes in the statue and she was quite
weathered. As stated previously she was made of galvanized iron.
However, the material that she is comprised of is zinc. When measured
she stands 9 feet, 11 inches in height and her approximate weight was
estimated to be 125 pounds.
The female figure of "Justice"
comes to us from Greek mythology. Themes, Mother of the Fates and the
Seasons, were the goddess of divine justice. The rites of hospitality
were under her protection and she also presided over public assemblies.
She is represented in art as a commanding, austere woman holding a sword
and scales, the symbol of order and justice. Her daughter, Astraea, who
wears a crown of stars also, represents justice in classical mythology.
It has not been determined who designed this statue, which is hollow.
By what method it was originally placed atop the Clarion County Courthouse is also not known. It is likely the identical figure produced
from the same mold was used at other courthouses, as Themis is a
fitting guardian for a hall or justice and a government seat.
The "Lady’ was then placed in a small van and taken to the firm of
Ranochak & Company located in Shelbyville, Indiana. There she was
restored with a fiberglass coating shaded in the pewter color. She now
weighs approximately 250 pounds upon restoration.
Plans were
made to have the "Lady of Justice" on display in the courthouse. A
ceremony was planned for her return trip to her pedestal for 3:00pm
august 24, 1981 at which time a time capsule was inserted in the base of
the statue.
Commissioner Elmer A. Barkay was the person in charge of the overall project