Dean Linder Saved the Original Nativity Figures |
|
Eloise Lane
(When Dean Linder said that he had saved some of the original nativity figures from destruction in the city landfill, he was asked to write this story for the museum.)
Any native of Pampa during the 60's can recall Pampa's original nativity scenes that were first displayed in Central Park in 1947. The group of hand-painted-life size characters depicted Biblical records of Jesus' birth. These scenes were displayed off and on until 2OO3. Although an extensive restoration was undertaken in 1997, old age and exposure to the elements had taken their toll, and it was decided that the original scenes were beyond repair and a new set was designed. In the spring of 2004 Warden Chris Bell of the Jordan Unit east of Pampa played a major role in continuing Pampa's tradition of displaying nativity scenes at Christmas time. He offered to allow the Unit’s artist to outline each and every piece of the original scenes and to air brush the features of the characters in the new scenes. The new scenes were completed in time for the first viewing in Burdette Park in December 2004. Upon completion of the new scenes, no one saw any need for keeping the original scenes, While employed at the Jordan Unit, I inquired about the figures in the old scenes and was informed that they were to be hauled to the landfill in the next several days. After obtaining permission, I met several workers at a warehouse down town to pick up all of the nativity figures. Although there were many figures, not a single piece was left behind. All figures were sorted and those that could not be saved were burned with dignity. The other figures were saved and now remain in a dry secure place until a permanent home can be found for them. These items bring back so many memories for me and also for many others that I could not bear to see these pieces of art discarded in a city landfill with everyday garbage. The new nativity scenes are beautiful and so realistic that it is unbelievable. It is life and history that the new always comes to replace older things and ideas. Citizens of Pampa should always remember the nativity scenes they grew up with and strive to move forward without forgetting the past.
I have been told, "It's the past. Get over it!" But would you throw away the Mona Lisa for a newer version? To those citizens who spent hours creating the original nativity scenes, I would like to say, "Thank you for a piece of Pampa history. It's still alive."
Any native of Pampa during the 60's can recall Pampa's original nativity scenes that were first displayed in Central Park in 1947. The group of hand-painted-life size characters depicted Biblical records of Jesus' birth. These scenes were displayed off and on until 2OO3. Although an extensive restoration was undertaken in 1997, old age and exposure to the elements had taken their toll, and it was decided that the original scenes were beyond repair and a new set was designed. In the spring of 2004 Warden Chris Bell of the Jordan Unit east of Pampa played a major role in continuing Pampa's tradition of displaying nativity scenes at Christmas time. He offered to allow the Unit’s artist to outline each and every piece of the original scenes and to air brush the features of the characters in the new scenes. The new scenes were completed in time for the first viewing in Burdette Park in December 2004. Upon completion of the new scenes, no one saw any need for keeping the original scenes, While employed at the Jordan Unit, I inquired about the figures in the old scenes and was informed that they were to be hauled to the landfill in the next several days. After obtaining permission, I met several workers at a warehouse down town to pick up all of the nativity figures. Although there were many figures, not a single piece was left behind. All figures were sorted and those that could not be saved were burned with dignity. The other figures were saved and now remain in a dry secure place until a permanent home can be found for them. These items bring back so many memories for me and also for many others that I could not bear to see these pieces of art discarded in a city landfill with everyday garbage. The new nativity scenes are beautiful and so realistic that it is unbelievable. It is life and history that the new always comes to replace older things and ideas. Citizens of Pampa should always remember the nativity scenes they grew up with and strive to move forward without forgetting the past.
I have been told, "It's the past. Get over it!" But would you throw away the Mona Lisa for a newer version? To those citizens who spent hours creating the original nativity scenes, I would like to say, "Thank you for a piece of Pampa history. It's still alive."
|
|