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Medford's Lady Liberty gets her arm back By JILL BRISKEY Lady Liberty's lamp will briefly shine today in Hawthorne Park as Medford celebrates the 50th anniversary of the statue's installment. But how long she will stay in Hawthorne Park remains a mystery, as city officials debate options that would protect the 81/2-foot copper replica of the Statue of Liberty from future vandalism. The Jackson County Republican Women organization will host a picnic lunch today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park. The event is open to the public and city officials are expected to speak, said President Diane Davidson. Tips on preventing vandalism Medford police are asking the community to get involved by stopping vandalism before it occurs in city parks. According to Lt. Mike Moran, Medford's city parks are closed from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Exceptions include the paved trails in Alba Park and tennis courts located in other parks. If community members see trespassers loitering in city parks after curfew, Moran encourages people to call police and report violators. Police make regular patrols at night but don't always see possible illegal activities that take place at night. "We can stop something before it starts," Moran said. To make a report, residents can call Medford police at 770-4783. "We're wanting people to know they can help," Davidson said. "Anyone can come." The organization is seeking donations to pay for repairs and possibly move the statue to a different location. The fund was established by Medford resident Leigh Johnson, who could not be reached Friday. A fund has also been set up at local branches of PremierWest Bank, Davidson said. The torch-bearing appendage was stolen from Lady Liberty in July. A local man and woman, who told Medford police they found the arm in the park's outskirts, sold it to Schnitzer's scrap yard in White City. Employees recognized the arm and called police. Medford Police Lt. Mike Moran said the appendage was dusted for fingerprints but police were unable to lift any prints, possibly because the arm had been exposed to elements. Police do not suspect the couple who found the arm of vandalizing the statue, Moran said. Although police hoped to charge the guilty person with criminal mischief, they have been unable to locate a suspect and the investigation has been suspended. "We gave it a shot," Moran said. "At this point, we don't have any further leads." Greg Jones, Medford's parks director, said the hollow arm was temporarily attached Friday for today's celebration. The city plans to remove the statue itself Monday from the park to make permanent repairs, he added. City officials have discussed moving the statue to Alba Park to avoid further vandalism. They've also debated installing a fence or raising the statue. Two years ago, the city spent $1,000 to make similar repairs to Lady Liberty's arm. Over the years the parks department has replaced broken and missing spikes from Lady Liberty's headdress. The parks department will hold its regular meeting Sept. 18 to talk about the statue's future. Jones said public input will be sought at the meeting. Medford's Arts Committee will also be involved in the plans. After 50 years of gracing Hawthorne Park, Jones said Lady Liberty is in need of a little shine. "There are some things that need to be done to her," Jones said. The parks department hopes to make other repairs to the statue, including fixing the many dents, working on seams and a general cleaning. The statue was a gift from the Crater Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It is believed to be one of 13 replicas that exist today. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.