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Historic Hallowell

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    • In the Beginning - Raw Materials - Quarrying
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One of Many Monuments

National Monument to the Forefathers model, Hallowell, ca. 1889
National Monument to the Forefathers model, Hallowell, ca. 1889
Hubbard Free Library

One well known example of Hallowell Granite workers’ skill is the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The production project began with the creation of a model which was then "scaled-up" to the dimensions of the actual size so the stone carvers could begin their work. The actual monument stands 81 feet high and weighs 180 tons.

The Founder's Monument was initiated by the Plymouth Society. The work was begun shortly after Hallowell Granite Co. was organized in 1866.

Faith, National Monument to the Forefathers, Hallowell, 1877
Faith, National Monument to the Forefathers, Hallowell, 1877
Hubbard Free Library

The statue "Faith," the central figure, 36 feet tall, is 216 times life size, and took one year to carve. Her outstretched arm is 19 feet 10 1/2 inches long and her forehead is 13 feet 7 inches in circumference.

Forefather's Monument, Plymouth, Massachusetts, ca. 1889
Forefather's Monument, Plymouth, Massachusetts, ca. 1889
Courtesy of Sumner A. Webber, Sr., an individual partner

Statuary cutter Joseph Archie stands on Faith's outstretched arm. One of the four statues at the base (Law) weighs 21 tons.

The finished monument is shown in the color postcard.


Hallowell's Granite Story

Raw Material Close At Hand

Natural Resource ~ Finished Product

Transportation Challenge

One of Many Monuments

Carvers and Quarrymen

Portrait of the Proprietor





Historic Hallowell
In partnership with the Maine Memory Network    |    Project of Maine Historical Society