PURCHASE: ~ NEW ~ MacNeil Biography
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Jim Haas’ BOOK~ Hermon Atkins MacNeil: American Sculptor In the Broad, Bright Daylight
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Hermon Atkins MacNeil: BIOGRAPHY Published !!!
By · CommentsAuthor and historian, James E. Haas has completed
“Hermon Atkins MacNeil:
American Sculptor
In the Broad, Bright Daylight”
Now
, Seventy-Five years after the sculptor’s death,
this definitive BIOGRAPHY is available.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Webmaster comments:
Our “Uncle Hermon,”
(who kept his gold and silver award medals in a drawer),
would be a little embarrassed
but modestly proud.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
James E. Haas
This is Haas’ sixth book. All his works are rooted in the history of College Point.
James Haas grew up there in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. He learned as a boy that the twenty-five cent pieces that made a home in his pocket, were designed by a former neighbor named Hermon A. MacNeil.
The MacNeil’s built their Studio on the northern shore of College Point in 1902. The community was an easily defined peninsula on the East River, Burrough of Queens, in New York City.
Listening and hearing tales of the generations of residents before him, Jim’s “young boy fascination” was stirred by conversations of local people and lore. As an adult he chose to capture those sagas into words. Jim distilled his writings with research and collaboration about his College Point roots and history.
Two recurring of names woven through many stories were Hermon Atkins MacNeil and Carol (“Carrie”) Brooks MacNeil. Their involvement in the Village’s efforts supporting the Great War “piqued” an additional interest in the couples service. Now in his sixth volume, Haas puts this pair (the husband-wife sculptor team) in focus at center stage.
The 20 plus chapters form a chronology of the life and works of Hermon and Carrie MacNeil. The research is thorough and thoughtful. He is a heart-felt historian of his home town roots. His story telling is as encompassing as their global accomplishments.
Cecelia MacNeil, Hermon’s widow credited the following statement to Adolph Block:
“… all that Hermon Atkins MacNeil lacks to acquire fame is a good biographer.”
Adolph Block should know. He too was a sculptor ~ (more) and a student of MacNeil
All that Hermon MacNeil lacked
was a Good Biographer
But NOW in 2022
Hermon Atkins MacNeil’s BIOGRAPHY
is Published
And James E. Haas is his “Good Biographer”
Postscript by Webmaster:
HermonAtkinsMacNeil.com/ [ HAM ]
Until 2010 the works of Hermon MacNeil had no central “Gathering Point” in the virtual world of digitized communication.
This website was created as a convergence for searches about
Hermon MacNeil.
Since 2010 this website has cornered the market on
Color images and vignettes of the
LIVES AND WORKS of Hermon and Carol MacNeil.
https://hermonatkinsmacneil.com/ has added to their FAME
BUT
No one CHRONOLOGICAL STORY of the MacNeils is presented here.
NOW
THIS VOLUME BY JAMES HAAS HAS CREATED A
Thorough, Painstaking, Detailed, Systematic, Telling
that this American Sculptor has needed
for the last 75 years.
SO ENJOY !
! ! ! !
“… all that Hermon Atkins MacNeil lacks to acquire fame is a good biographer.”
. . . . . . .
FOR MORE BOOKS BY JIM HAAS GO TO:
https://www.amazon.com/ And Enter a Search for: james e. haas
REMOVE IT!
A RED “X” and scribbles mark the decision to remove this monumental piece funded a century ago by the Benjamin Franklin Ferguson Monument Fund to adorn Chicago boulevard and green-ways with historic statuary.
The Chicago Monuments Project says REMOVE IT!
So, we have “X-ed” out the Marquette Jolliet Illini sculpture from our photo posed in 2010.
After gracing the Douglas Park neighborhood for nearly a century, this sculpture by Hermon A. MacNeil is judged to deserve the
Axe–ually, it may get:
- Removal,
- Storage, and possibly
- Lending or Donation to a private venue.
The Report of the Chicago Monuments Project reads, in part:
“Jacques Marquette-Louis Jolliet Memorial”
» The sculpture reinforces stereotypes
about American Indians and glorifies
a complicated and painful history of Western expansion. It features a cowering American Indian, following submissively in the footsteps of MarquetteRecommended Next Steps
-
» The artwork should be placed in storage
-
» The city should initiate a conversation with the Marshall Square community, where the artwork is located, to study options for the development of new public art at the site
-
» Agencies may also consider the long- term loan or donation of this artwork to a private organization
MacNeil’s depiction of Marquette has the priest with an inviting open right hand and raising a cross above his heart.
Since 1926 this work has graced the bend of Marshall Boulevard and 24th Boulevard.
VISITING THE MONUMENT
While it is still standing, the monument can be reached by:
Driving south down through Douglas Park on Sacramento Blvd to Marshall Blvd as it becomes West 24th Blvd. There you can find the 1925 bronze grouping of Pere Marquette, Louis Jolliete, and an Illinois Indian that faces the greenway of the boulevard.
The monument stands on a six-foot (6′) base with bronze groupings almost twelve feet (12′) tall. It’s removal will not be an easy extraction
Chicagoans approaching the Monument along Marshall and 24th Avenue Boulevards are greeted by the Jesuit’s open hand.
FYI: MORE Discussion~ will come!
the Webmaster
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Related posts:
- “Chicago Sculpture in the Loop” features Hermon A. MacNeil’s Work at Marquette Building (3) Gregory H. Jenkins has posted stories of the Marquette Bronze…
- Hermon MacNeil Sculpture in the Chicago Loop (3) Gregory H. Jenkins AIA, Chicago architect and keeper of the …
- Marquette Statue in Chicago (3) Today we took a short trip south from our daughter’s…
- More Marquette Statue Photos (3) Our Photo journey to this statue produced more pictures than…
- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ What’s the FUTURE of the PAST? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Chicago Monuments Project (3) All of Hermon MacNeil’s Lifeworks enshrine the PAST. SO… What…
- Why the Chicago Monument Project? ~~ FAQ (3) Frequently Asked Questions Why is Chicago doing this? Chicago joins..
- What’s the FUTURE of the PAST? ~ The Chicago Monuments Project. All of Hermon MacNeil’s Lifeworks enshrine the PAST. SO… What is the Future of the Past?
Medal of Honor for Sculpture, Architectural League of New York
Original clay models for the NY Architectural Medal. Photographed by Daniel N. Leininger at the archives of Swope Art Museum in Terra Haute, Indiana in 2012.
In 2012, I visited the Swope Art Museum in Terra Haute Indiana. There I photographed many clay Models rescued from MacNeil’s studio in College Point after his death.
My photos from that day include many familiar works. Some became statues. Others were never awarded commissions. Those were never sculpted full size or cast into bronze.
Of interest here are the Original clay models for the NY Architectural Medal.
SOURCE: All Photos by Daniel N. Leininger at the archives of Swope Art Museum in Terra Haute, Indiana in 2012
Both Obverse and Reverse of the original clay master are seen stored here at Swope Museum in Terra Haute, Ind.
“LEAGUE” becomes “LE[AG]VE” in Beaux Arts script.
MacNeil signature detail of clay Model. ‘FECIT’ is American English of the Latin verb (ˈfeikɪt, English ˈfisɪt). Meaning he made (it); she made (it): formerly used on works of art after the name of the artist.
THE MEDAL SCULPTING PROCESS
IS SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING VIDEO:
“Medal Maker” VHS of 1997
“The Medal Maker” shows how Laura Gardin Frazer makes a clay original model for the National Sculpture Society medal awarded to Daniel Chester French The final bronze casting is pictured above on the video that preserves the original filming of her at work.
The presentation of this first NSS Medal to French honored for his sculptural work of the seated Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
That story was first first told here in 2012 at the following posting:
JOURNEY TO SUPREME COURT: ~ A Stop at Daniel Chester French’s Abe Lincoln ~ Washington D.C. …
The Webmaster has obtained an actual medal created by Hermon MacNeil and awarded to his colleague, A. A. Weinman. That medallion was called the:
“New York Architectural League” Award
Of its sculpting and design, Joel Rosenkrantz has said:
“I do think it is an extraordinary medal, wonderful low relief work with a strong sense of perspective. The allegorical figures are just beautifully rendered.” Joel Rosenkranz
But the provenance* of this particular medal is also an extraordinary linkage of these two sculptor-colleagues: * [chronology of the ownership ]
Hermon A. MacNeil 
&
Adolf A. Weinman
The Gold Medal pictured above and below was actually awarded to none other than,
Adolf A. Weinman.
Joel Rosenkranz obtained this piece of Beaux Arts history from a grandson of the renowned sculptor with an accompanying provenance tracing back to his grandfather’s estate.
In 1909, the New York Association of Architects commissioned MacNeil to design this piece.
Of this medal design, Joel Rosenkrantz has said:
“I do think it is an extraordinary medal, wonderful low relief work with a strong sense of perspective. The allegorical figures are just beautifully rendered.” Joel Rosenkranz
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Obverse of the Award reads in English:
“Architectutal League NY.”
NY Architectural League Medal -observe. [Photo Credit: Joel Rosenkranz, Conner~Rosenkranz, NY, NY.] (www.crsculpture.com)
The Reverse of the Award reads: “statuariae artis peritissimo”
Which translates from Latin as:
“the most skilled in the art of statuary.”
NY Architectural League Medal -Reserve. [Photo Credit: Joel Rosenkranz, Conner~Rosenkranz, NY, NY.] (www.crsculpture.com)
“A Statuary Sculptor of the Highest Skills”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
These two contemporaries had many
parallel accomplishments.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Weinman
&
MacNeil
Connections:
- Both sculptors designed Coinage.
- Both sculptors served the National Sculpture Society as presidents.
Five Presidents of National Sculpture Society. A.A. Weinman in center, H.A. MacNeil to his right. J.E. Frazer (lt) and H. Adams (rt) flack the group as they present Daniel Chester French (2nd lt.) with the National Sculpture Society Medal sculpted by Laura Gardin Frazer in 1929.
- Both were awarded the NY Architectural Medal that MacNeil designed.
- In 1932 Both sculpted friezes of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington D.C.:
- Weinman’s frieze is in the Court Chamber.
- MacNeil’s is the outdoor – East Pediment.
- Missouri State Capitol (ca. 1926)
- [Weinman –South Pediment;
- MacNeil – West Frieze ]
- Both were chosen by the McKim, Mead, and White Architects to complete on projects such as the:
- Hall of Fame for Great Americans
- Missouri Capitol Building
- 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Both Weinman and MacNeil made multiple exhibits overlapping architectural and sculptural history:
https://www.pafa.org/museum/collection/item/medal-honor-sculpture-architectural-league-new-york Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
NOTES:
- Joel Rosenkranz, Partner in Conner~Rosenkranz, LLC., NY, NY.] (www.crsculpture.com)
- McKim, Mead, and White Architects
Related posts:
- ‘Hermon A. MacNeil’ found in Video from 1929 (3) Four past-presidents of the National Sculpture Society congratulate Daniel Chester French. …
- “Jo and Hermon” ~~ The Wanderer and The Monument Maker ~~ Story # 2: MacNeil Month 2021 ~~ (3) ~ JO Davidson ~ Adventurer ~ ~ Hermon MacNeil ~ …
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SOLD! ~ MacNeil’s “Chief” sells for $351,000
By · Comments~ MacNeil “Chief of Multnomah” ~
Earns Surprising Sale Price!
Estimated sale price was in the range of$30,000-50,000.
The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction Image of the 37 inch version of the MacNeil piece.
“A CHIEF OF THE MULTNOMAH TRIBE”(1905)Hermon Atkins MacNeilIn 2021 the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction offered an artwork for sale by Hermon Atkins MacNeil.Actual Sale Price:$351,000Title:A Chief of the Multnomah Tribe(1905)Type: SculptureMedium: BronzeStyle: OtherSubject: Western/IndianSignature: Signed and DatedSize: 37.00″ x 12.00″Foundry Mark: Roman Bronze Works N-Y-Description: Estimate $30,000-50,000.SOLD FOR $351,000 ~ A WORLD-RECORD
AT THE COEUR D’ALENE ART AUCTION-RENO!Now taking consignments for our 2022 auction.For more information please call 208.772.9009 or
“Coming of the White Man” original clay model 72 inches high at the Poppenhusen Institute in College Point, Queens, New York.
Another of Hermon MacNeil’s “Chief of the Multnomah” Discovered in Vernon, New Jersey Posted on May, 31, 2015
Another Chief of the Multnomah
I’ve been noticing a magnificent piece of the scultpture for the past few years, located in Vernon N.J. at the Minerals Spa and Resort. After closer examination I discovered it is Chief Multnomah with his arms crossed, standing on tip toes looking outward. “The coming of the white man” is the title usually ascribed to this work, but in this case the chief stands alone without his scout or assistant as pictured on your web-site. It is signed simply, H.A. Macneil S.C. 04. Just thought it was a variation of the piece that you might find interesting.I’m not really sure how long its been there, because I’m relatively new to the area. Being a sculptor myself and one that is particularly fond on the late 19th cent/early 20th cent period, with the likes of Rodin, Bayre, Dega, etc. Macneil certainly is a strong and salutory member of that period. Regards, D. Moldoff.
My response was as follows:
Dear D. L. Moldoff,
Thanks for noticing sculpture around you and sharing the information. The ‘Chief Multnomah’ is the larger Half of H. A. MacNeil’s “The Coming of the White Man.” (COTWM). While the COTWM piece is only at the Washington Park in Portland, OR, where it was commissioned for that city. The original plaster sculpture model is in the Poppenhusen Institute in Queens, NYC, just blocks from MacNeil’s studio.
2).
“Chief of the Multnomah” ~ DO WE HAVE ONE? ~ ??????? Posted on Dec 21, 2013
In the Summer of 2013, I received an email from Linette Porter-Metler of the Mount Vernon and Knox County Library of Mount Vernon, Ohio. She enclosed the photos you see below.
Linette entitled her email,
“DO WE HAVE ONE?”
Here is what she said:
Thanks for your website!
We are a four-library public library system in Central Ohio. All year, we have been celebrating our 125th Anniversary here as a public library in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and during our research we found that one of our sculptures donated to us in 1936 by a Dr. Freeman Ward may be one of The Chief of the Multnomah statues shown on your site. But it does have some differences as you can see by the photo compared to the one on your site at the New York museum.
Ours does not seem to have a number stating it was one of the copies (i.e. 4/20)..All it has is his name, the word “Multnomah”, and the number “03” etched on the side of his footrest. I will send photos. Also, there is a copper? Twisted piece at top of bow near his shoulder.
I will enclose as many photos as I can. If you have any further information to share with us about this, we would appreciate it!
Thanks!
Linette Porter-Metler, Community Relations / Public Affairs, Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, 201 N. Mulberry Street, Mount Vernon, OHIO
My answer is simply:
YES, MT. VERNON,
YOU HAVE ONE !
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3).
Another “Chief of the Multnomah” Has Appeared in the East. Posted on Nov, 10, 2011
One of MacNeil’s “Chief of the Multnomah Tribe”, (which has seen a lot in American history since 1904, and even more since “The Coming of the White Man”) still stands guard silently over a once $25,000,000 estate in Easton, MD, known as Hidden Bridge Farm. The future of both the “Chief” and the Estate remain uncertain. The waterfront playground property is now locked in Chapter 7 bankruptcy being handled by Easton attorney, James Vidmar.
These photos show “A Chief of the Multnomah” as he overlooks the Choptank River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This same MacNeil statue featured in the previous posting on Nov. 8, 2011 was once owned by John A. Porter.
A source has told us that the “Chief” was placed as the centerpiece on this 540-acre Estate by “John A. Porter.” Porter achieved front page fame as the former CEO of Worldcom before its colossal collapse in 2000-2. The scandal brought Worldcom into the news as the “Enron” of the tele-communication industry.
Daniela Deane, House Gossip for the Washington Post, described the situation in 2002 in this way:
Hidden Bridge Farm, a 540-acre spread with five houses on it, is for sale for $26.5 million — about $16.5 million more than any other property has sold for on the Eastern Shore. The farm sits on 1.5 miles of waterfront on the Choptank River, about 10 miles southwest of Easton.
Besides the 10,000-square-foot all-brick manor house, the property also has a waterfront farmhouse, a 3,000-square-foot guest house, a caretaker’s house, a guest cottage and two two-bedroom … Source: [ Daniela Deane. “House gossip; Eastern Shore Estate Asks a Record Price.” The Washington Post. Washingtonpost Newsweek Interactive. 2002. Retrieved November 08, 2011 from HighBeam Research: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-325206 ]
Deane’s story details one of the holdings of John A. Porter who was worth over $500,000,000 in 1999. Now, however, he is broke. After loosing the Maryland property and “Chief Multnomah,” he has had to scale down to a 10,000 sq foot ocean-front mansion in Palm Beach. That little homestead retreat is worth much less than Hidden Bridge only about $17,000,000. Fortunately, Florida has a generous “Homestead Act”, known by locals as the “mansion loophole” act.
Some folks suggest that you might be able to “buy the farm” for possibly $14 Million, once it comes on the market. The “Chief “ may (or may not) be included in the selling price.
4).
If MacNeil’s “Chiefs” Could Speak, What would They tell us Today? Posted on Nov 13, 2011
.
(Photo by Elizabeth Daley, Queens Chronicle) Posted on June 1, 2011
A recent estate auction featured a “Chief of the Multnomah” which is the right-hand half of the “Coming of the White Man” pair.
“Everything Must Go” was a feature story in the “Queens Chronicle” by Elizabeth Daley, editor (March 11, 2011). Michael Halberian lived in the former Steinway Family Mansion. It is uncertain whether the MacNeil sculpture was a Steinway heirloom that sold with the mansion or whether Mike discovered it in his appraisal work.
The Poppenhusen Institute houses this plaster model of “A Chief of the Multnomah” donated in 1920 by MacNeil. It represents half of the “Coming of the White Man” grouping comissioned in 1904 for the City of Portland, Oregon by the family of David P. Thompson. (photo courtesy of Bob Walker, College Point)
“A Chief of the Multnomah” is silent, but If he could only speak and share his observations of 150 years with the White Man
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