Princeton Independent Business Alliance restores community icon - American Independent Business Alliance AMIBA

July 13, 2007

PIBA announces monument facelift

By Donna Barker
Bureau County Republican

PRINCETON — The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Princeton will get a make-over.

On Monday morning, members of the Princeton Independent Business Alliance announced plans to coordinate and raise funds for the cleaning and restoration of the 50-foot tall Soldiers and Sailors monument, located on South Main Street in Soldiers and Sailors Park. Hopefully, the work can begin this fall, PIBA president Lisa Putness said.

Standing in the shade of the monument, PIBA Vice President Chad Brokaw made the announcement of the group’s first community project. Moore Monuments of Princeton will do the restoration and repair work at the monument and Combined Cleaning of Princeton will do the professional cleaning of the monument, Brokaw said. The project will also include new landscaping at the monument, he said.

Tom Bickett, president of Combined Cleaning, said the cleaning and restoration of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument has been on his mind for many years.

“It’s a great joy and honor to be a part of this project,” Bickett said. “We will do our best to bring this monument back to life.”

Bickett said the four military statues on the monument are made of bronze, but are now covered with patina, a green substance formed during years of pollution against the bronze. Though some historians like the patina-look, many historians say there is more value and eye-appeal with the restored bronze, Bickett said. Depending on the extent of the project, the cleaning could take two to three weeks to complete, he said.

As part of Monday’s press conference, City Zoning Officer Pete Nelson, representing Mayor Keith Cain, read a proclamation declaring this week as Independence Week. The purpose of the proclamation was to not only celebrate the independence of the United States but to also recognize PIBA’s contribution to Princeton, Nelson said. The city’s independent, locally-owned businesses are integral to the unique flavor of Princeton, the proclamation read.

In response, Brokaw said Princeton represents the best of what can be accomplished when like-minded business owners and community members work together.

“We hope the spirit of being independent spreads, not just to other businesses but to other organizations as well,” Brokaw said. “If we all share the spirit of independence, there is no limit to what we can do.”

Concerning the Soldiers and Sailors Monument project, Brokaw said PIBA is still working on the projected costs to the project, which originated with the Flags of Freedom committee,

To help raise money for the project, PIBA will sell T-shirts, mugs and other Princeton memorabilia. Monetary donations may be sent to Central Bank, Brokaw said.

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