Lee GOBBLE to be honored with statue -- 2015

GOBBLE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 10/11/2015 at 16:50:54

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Front Page and Page 7

Lee GOBBLE statue planned for Fairfield
By Nicole Hester-Williams
Ledger staff writer

The Fairfield Art Association will celebrate its 50-year anniversary this year in grand style, with the commission of a bronze sculpture posthumously honoring a pillar of the community.

"Lee T. GOBBLE, 'Mr. Fairfield' is our commissioned sculpture, and will grace the front lawn of the [Fairfield Arts & Convention Center] and forever glance at the courthouse steeple he succeeded in replacing," said Susan Bates Kessel of the art association board of directors.

GOBBLE, who died at age 100 in April, had deep roots in Southeast Iowa. His grandfather opened a business in Abingdon in the mid-19th century, launching an entrepreneurial history spanning several generations. The store was later moved to Fairfield in 1898. After partnering with his father, in the late 1960s Lee GOBBLE became sole owner of Gobble Clothers.

GOBBLE sold the establishment in 1986.

In 1985, he started the Jefferson County Restoration Fund to repair the Jefferson County Courthouse clock tower steeple. By 2004, GOBBLE had raised $50,000, which brought the project to fruition. GOBBLE was 90 years old at the time.

"There are countless stories about Lee; his family's clother establishment since 1853, his unique style and quirkiness, his generosity, relationship with Parsons college and love of Fairfield," Kessel said. "A couple years ago while visiting Lee at the care center I mentioned I had an idea for a sculpture. He just smiled big and seemed pleased. Then when at Lee's memorial service, I said something to [Fairfield Mayor] Ed Malloy, and he said 'you won't believe this, I've thought of something similar.' That set the project in motion."

The art association selected sculptor Christopher Bennett of Keosauqua to create the statue.

Bennett created "William Coop & Friend" for the square in Fairfield Central Park in the 1970s and "Leapfrog," which sits in front of the Carnegie Historical Museum.

The project will involve another native artist, Ken Rowe, who will model parts of the figure.

However, the project will begin in the fall with a search for someone to represent Lee.

"We will be looking for someone to represent Lee around 70 years of age. Lee was about 5 foot 9 with a slender body build, maybe around 150 to 180 pounds," Kessel said, adding that model search announcements would be forthcoming.

Mark Shafer, curator of the Carnegie Historical Museum, will provide historical details and design, which will be translated into tile by Harri Aalto of Creative Edge Master Shop.

According to a press release, the figure will reflect GOBBLE's personality and style of dress.

"If you knew Lee in the 1960s and 1970s, you'll understand the old style phone in his pocket," Kessel said. "There will be GGG turkey designs, a bow tie, U of I considerations, and of course, a Hershey's kiss in hand."

Kessel said an added feature would be a colorful fan of GOBBLE's tie collection, spread out like turkey feathers at the base of the statue.

A small-scale figure will be created first, followed by the life-size sculpture.

According to a press release, Bennett will be working at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, so the public would be able to follow the project's progress.

"If all goes according to plan, fundraising included, the sculpture could be completed and installed by fall of 2016," Kessel said, adding that fundraising would include securing a public art grant, donations memorials, fundraising events and funds already set aside by the art association for public projects.

The FAA recently received a $500 grant for the project from the Fairfield Cultural Alliance. The total project is projected to cost $36,500, and Kessel said the art association encourages donations.

"[We invite] donations from anyone who appreciates art, the memory of Lee GOBBLE, or agrees with the recent 'Community Assessment & Recommendations' stating 'we would encourage ... more public art throughout the community ... especially the downtown,'" Kessel said "We could imagine Fairfield being known for its public art installation in years to come."

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: In this linked photo, Sculptor Chris Bennett shares the "turkey fan" design of Lee Gobble's tie collection. This will be at the base of the bronze sculpture.
http://iagenweb.org/jefferson/General_Interest/2015/GobbleStatue2.jpg

This photo is from "The Fairfield Ledger" on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, the day after Lee would have turned 101 years old.
http://iagenweb.org/jefferson/General_Interest/2015/GobbleTies2.jpg

Jefferson Documents maintained by Joey Stark.
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