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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend May 19, 2004 Man wants to erect a Peter Britt statue By BUFFY POLLOCK for the Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — A local business owner is more than halfway toward his goal of funding a metal statue paying tribune to the town’s most famous pioneer. Jeff Levin, owner of MacLevin’s Restaurant, began a campaign in January to raise $10,000 for a statue of Peter Britt in hopes of having it in place by the Britt Festivals season, which begins in June. Created by Yreka artist Ralph Starrit, the statue will be placed on the Britt grounds near the original homestead of the photographer and entrepreneur. Levin said he’s worried that time is running out. He initially declared he was "trying not to take anything less than $500," but he said he would now accept smaller contributions and may consider placing collection jars around town. "So we’re now at $7,400," Levin said. Advertisement "I didn’t really want to count change, but we’ve got to get this done." In addition to the original $10,000, $3,000 is needed for a concrete base, bronze plaque and other incidentals, but Levin said he had tentatively found a source to cover those expenses. One large donor for the project recently was Crater Lake Institute, which donated $1,000. Britt was the first to photograph Crater Lake, in 1874. Another potential donor was considering a memorial contribution of $1,000 and several local civic groups were considering $500 donations, Levin said. Britt, born in Switzerland, arrived in Jacksonville in 1852 and took portraits and panoramic landscapes from 1856 to five years before his death in 1905. While Britt is best remembered for capturing the landscape of Jacksonville’s early history on film, Levin felt that photos did not accurately depict the character of his favorite pioneer. Initial renderings of the project, created with the help of historic photographs, portray Britt in his trademark frock coat, hat and beard, standing next to a box camera on a tripod. Starrit said the 7-foot statue, which was nearing completion, was different than most people would envision. Starrit is shaping the statue using a metal welding technique and adding texture where needed. "Usually my style is a little different than most," said Starrit. "So when people first look at it, they kind of don’t know what to think. Then as they look at it, it kind of grows on you." Starrit said he gained inspiration for the project by immersing himself in town history. "Peter Britt is next to a big ol’ camera, holding up a button to take a picture," Starrit said. "The other hand is out in the air and he’s leaning forward like a photographer in the middle of catching that perfect shot." Levin said putting the statue near Britt’s former home would be a fitting tribute for someone who preserved much of the town’s history through photography. "It’s going to be an important piece of history," said Levin. "Peter Britt was one of the town’s best known pioneers and he did a lot for the town. This will become a landmark for Jacksonville." To make a donation or for more information, call Levin at 899-1251. Buffy Pollock is a free-lance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Advertisement s