George Nitzsche's Description of the statue of
young Benjamin Franklin
near Weightman Hall
from University of Pennsylvania--Its History, Traditions,
Buildings and
Memorials 7th edition, 1918
On the terrace, midway between the two entrances to the Gymnasium, on a
pedestal designed by Professor P. P. Cret, is a heroic state of:
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (modeled by Dr. R. Tait McKenzie).
This figure represents the founder of the University at the age of
seventeen years, entering Philadelphia in 1723. The statue is the gift of
the Class of 1904 and was formally unveiled in June, 1914. On the front
of the pedestal, in bronze letters, is the folloring inscription:
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 1723
and a scroll, supporting the seal of the University, contains these words:
From the Class of 1904 College.
The design at the bottom of the pedestal is symbolical of the thunderbolt.
On the north side of the pedestal is this inscription:
I have been the more
particular
in this
description of my journey
that you may compare
such unlikely beginnings
with the figure
I have since made there.
--Franklin to his Son.
On the south side this:
This memorial dedicated
at the tenth reunion of the
Class of 1904
is a tribute
to the inspiration and example
of the founder of the university
to many generations of the sons
of Pennsylvania.
![[RETURN TO ART AT PENN PAGE]](../pennart.gif)
Last update: 28-Feb-97
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