LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE STATUE DEDICATED
OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2002

People, Government officials, Authors, Historians, and Abraham Lincoln's (Some with Beards and some without, about 25 total). Where on hand this day to dedicate this incredible likeness of Abraham Lincoln and Senator Steven Douglas. They were sculpted by Illinois Artist Rebecca Childers-Caleel. Dr. Wayne C. Temple, Ph.D., said of her work, "Every detail is so lifelike. You have produced a masterpiece. I have never seen a finer statue of Lincoln.

Heroic-sized bronze statues of both Lincoln and Douglas are about 125% of Life Size. The sculptress is Rebecca Childers-Caleel.

"Rebecca Childers-Caleel has succeeded beautifully where most others have failed to capture the true figure of Abraham Lincoln. Her statue of Lincoln is extremely lifelike and should be rated as one of the very best ever executed. In my opinion, it has few equals as to his face, etc. She has made the "bronze" come alive, and Lincoln speaks to us with mind and hand gestures. What a sculpture she has wrought!" said Dr. Wayne Temple, Ph.D.

(Click on Picture to see full screen Picture)
 

The Artist This picture was taken of Rebecca Childers-Caleel after the dedication of this remarkable work. A day filled with excitement and meeting people who traveled to Ottawa to share this historic event. Almost three years in the Making and well worth it.

The events of the day started at 10:00 A.M with a play depicting the day in 1858 when the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate took place. The Lincoln Look-A-Like contest began with Joe Woodward winning the unbearded and Gerald Bestrom taking first place in the Bearded competition. Memorial Plaza Dedication began at 3:00 P.M. After a welcome by Mayor Robert Eschbach and the posting of the colors by American Legion Post 33, VFW post 2470 Color Guard and 104th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

The Ottawa Township High School Band and Jazz Choir provided the Music for the Day. Many guests were introduced and Comments were given by Lupe O'Leary, Chairperson, Year of Lincoln, Professor David Zarefsky, Dr. Wayne Temple, Rebecca Childers Caleel, Sculptor, and Mayor Robert Eschbach. The Keynote address was given by Former Illinois Senator Paul Simon The Statue was unveiled by students of Ottawa

Murals in Ottawa

	The Story of a Marble Business A Part of Ottawa's History One Block away from Washington Square
Two of the Artists Assistants were working on this Mural as the Washington Square Event was going on