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 United Way Torch - Detroit, Michigan Posted by:  Rattrak
N 42° 19.741 W 083° 02.690
17T E 331523 N 4688332
United Way Torch can be found near the foot of M-1/Woodward Avenue and Jefferson. It stands in the median of Woodward Avenue.
Waymark Code: WM831G
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 01/18/2010
Views: 9
United Way Torch
This torch can be lit and is at different times of the year. It is fed by natural gas.
Information from SIRIS;
The United Foundation, the grandfather of all United Way Campaigns in this country, was formed in 1949, and was the first such united fund drive in the nation. It was decided that a burning torch which could be ceremonially lit at the beginning of the United Foundation Drive and kept burning throughout the campaign would be the ideal symbol. This sculpture was constructed as a permanent symbol after many years of using a wooden torch structure was constructed and taken down each year during the campaign. A replica of this sculpture is located in the lobby of the United Way offices. The Michigan Consolidated Gas Company assumes some of the maintenance of the torch.
Inscription:
(On torch:) This Torch, a symbol of the concern and generosity of the people of this community, glows each year throughout the United Foundation Torch Drive. It's design, construction and erection are the product of the cooperative spirit of these companies: (list of names). (On base:) (United Way logo) United Way.
TITLE: United Way Torch
ARTIST(S): Dario Bonucchi, sculptor. Giffels Associates, architectural firm. Darin & Armstrong, Inc., fabricator
DATE: Dedicated Oct. 14, 1969
MEDIUM: Sculpture: steel and aluminum; Base: painted steel
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS MI000128
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Best viewed from across the street as it stands in the median of Woodward Avenue which is a boulevard at this point. This is where Woodward meets Jefferson Avenue, downtown Detroit.
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
All is correct except the sculpture is listed at 54 inches in height, it should be 54 feet.
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date of your visit, your impressions of the sculpture, and at least ONE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH. Add any additional information you may have, particularly any personal observations about the condition of the sculpture.
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