Sunday, December 15, 2013

Tempus fugit: a visit to "Civic Virtue", one year after its removal from Queens Borough Hall to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.

One year ago, December 15, 2012, the statue "Civic Virtue" was removed from its decades long home next to the Queens Borough Hall.  It was transported to the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn.  You can see photos and the exclusive copyrighted video I made here.  Today, a year later,December 15, 2013, I visited the statue in its new home and bring you the following photos:
Statue clearly shows the decades of neglect standing next to Queens Borough Hall.

Under the watchful gaze of "Civic Virtue" in the far-off distance, last night's snow fall blankets the cemetery graves.

The triangular intersection has been landscaped and the new base has been completed.

A serene, placid scene extends beyond the statue.  I might even rest my bones there.  How 'bout you?

As the old saw states: Cleanliness is next to Godliness.  And the Old Boy sparkles.
Even those controversial ladies enjoy those new squeaky-clean birthday suits.


A highly informative sign at the foot of the statue explains the history and controversy that has surrounded "Civic Virtue" for almost 100 years.  The next two images are the sign's explanatory copy.  (Click each image to enlarge the wording.)


Upper right photo shows "Civic Virtue" in Manhattan.  The bottom right, in Queens.  Now it's Brooklyn's turn to provide the hospitality.  Hospitality that was missing in its previous abode.  This fellow and the ladies sure gets around.  Maybe one for the Guiness Book of Records? - The World's Most Travelled Statue?  Anyplace next on the itinerary?

A blast from the past: my visit of September 24.  These two photos show the cemetery workers preparing the new base and grassy landscaping.  A meticulously dedicated endeavor to making the statue look presentable.  A far cry from what it experienced in the decades of neglect on Queens Boulevard.
Left:  covered with grit and grime outside of the Queens Borough Hall (before) / Right: cared for and cleaned in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery (after)
 

  
    

 


 





 

 


 


















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