Pipestone (MN)'s Moore Block
Posted by: 
stickerooni
N 44° 00.038 W 096° 19.044
14T E 715075 N 4875441
Gargoyles created by amateur sculptor and local businessman, Leon Moore.
Waymark Code: WM2CGC
Location: Minnesota, United States
Date Posted: 10/11/2007
Views: 66
(from the website for Pipestone, MN)...
Built in 1896, this 25 foot by 85 foot building was constructed of Sioux quartzite by Leon H. Moore, a local businessman who owned and operated a Sioux quartzite quarry. One of the more distinctive features of this building are the gargoyles that embellish the north and west facades. Leon Moore was an amateur sculptor who created the building's gargoyles and other sculptures, including the relief of Moses on the front facade. One of Moore's masterpieces, it has the face of Moses surrounded by bulrushes, two female faces, and the baby in the basket. Another biblical sculpture which adorns the building is of Eve with a serpent and apples surrounding her head. The flat stone arches of the two windows facing Main Street have sculpted heads as their keystones. Legend has it, although unconfirmed, that Moore had sculpted a statue of a nude woman, rumored to be Eve, and placed it in the niche on the front facade of the building. Apparently the townspeople were outraged by this act and forced the removal of the statue, which was never seen again.
Water spout is used: no
Condition: Lightly Weathered
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