Address of Governor Guy B. Park at Dedication of William Joel Stone Memorial, Nevada, Missouri

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ADDRESS PARK at JR STUNE MEMORIAL Nevada, Missouri --October 11, 1935 During the regular 1933 session of our State Legislature an Act was passed directing the appointment of a Commission to be known as the "William Joel Stone Monument Commission" with authority to select a monument in memory of William Joel Stone at some suitable site in the City of Nevada to be determined by the Commission, after a conference with members of the County Court of Vernon County. An accompanying appropriation of $15,000 was made and power given the Commission to receive donations. Under the authority conferred upon the Governor by this Act Senator Bennett Champ Clark, whose distinguished father was a life long political and personal friend and ally of Senator Stone, Honorable John T. Harding, a fellow countian and intimate friend of the Stone family and Honorable Richard K. Phelps, representative in the legislature from Vernon County and author of the Act creating the Commission, were appointed members of the Commission. After thorough study and research and consultation with skilled sculptors and arti- sans, Mr. Frederick Hibbard of Chicago, a former Missourian and one of the world's famous sculptors, was chosen to cast the bronze statue; and the firm, Wight and Wight of Kansas City, noted architects, selected to design, and Mr. Bruce of Fort Scott, Kansas, to construct the pedestal. We now view with satisfaction and admiration the finished product of the genius and handiwork of those to whom this labor of love was entrusted; and in accepting the Memorial on behalf of the people of Missouri, , may I express to the members of the Commission KUUMAN -1- May is NARA