The Worker
The worker was modeled and installed by bronze scultpure artist Tom Durham. Originally working in bronze, Tom has since moved into terra cotta sculptures, and currently resides in Louisiana. He has been a working artist for over 30 years, and has taught in Morris Minnesota, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Charleston South Carolina. He recieved his Masters in Fine Art through the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
For more information about Tom and his work visit: https://tomdurhamsculpture.com/
The Worker was forged in cast bronze using the traditional lost-wax method. Sculptor Thomas Durham first shaped the figure in clay, which served as the basis for a wax model later cast in bronze by Upper State Foundry in Minnesota. From initial concept to final installation, the entire process took just over three months. The City of Fergus Falls intentionally specified a rough-textured surface with a natural patina, giving the piece a sense of immediacy and permanence from day one. The material cost for the sculpture totaled $15,000, reflecting both the scale of the work and the durability of its medium.
The Worker statue was installed in 1996 as part of the Fergus Falls Downtown Redevelopment Master Plan of 1991 and dedicated to updating the downtown Fergus Falls area water and traffic infrastructe. Its creation was made possible thanks to the dedication of city staff, local leaders, and the Fergus Falls Public Arts Commission, with particular recognition for the efforts of former city planner Gordon Hydukovich. Conceived as a tribute to the contributions of everyday laborers such as teachers, tradespeople, and healthcare workers, the statue was designed to serve as a lasting symbol of work, resilience, and civic pride at the heart of the downtown community.
George B. Wright
The George B. Wright sculpture was crafted by Harriet Clark Hanley of Minneapolis and installed in 1926. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Hanley studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before relocating to Minnesota, where she became an active figure in the Minneapolis arts community. She operated a gallery on Nicollet Avenue and completed a number of regional commissions. Her work on the Wright sculpture represents one of the earliest public monuments in Fergus Falls.
Harriet Clark Hanley's sculpture of Fergus Falls founder George B. Wright is carved from Indiana limestone, typically quarried near Bloomington, Indiana. A solid block of this stone can weigh over one ton. The material is soft when first quarried, allowing it to be carved using hand tools, but it hardens over time and is durable enough to withstand weathering in most environments. The sculpture was completed and installed in less than six months, with work beginning in early 1926 and the public unveiling taking place on July 9, 1926. The Daughters of the American Revolution, in coordination with the Otter Tail County Historical Society, have taken responsibility for maintaining and cleaning the sculpture through a local expert in preparation for its 100-year anniversary in 2026.
The George B. Wright sculpture was installed on July 9, 1926, at the west end of Washington Avenue, overlooking the Otter Tail River in Fergus Falls. Commissioned by Vernon A. Wright to honor his father, one of the founders of the city, the sculpture became a central fixture of civic identity. Sculpted by Harriet Hanley of Minneapolis, the figure was slightly larger than life and mounted on a 12-foot pedestal, giving it both prominence and permanence. The unveiling ceremony drew local officials, longtime residents, and descendants of early settlers, reflecting a deep communal pride in the city’s pioneer roots. As one of the earliest public art monuments in the region, the sculpture continues to serve as a lasting tribute to civic leadership, town-building vision, and the enduring influence of George B. Wright on the landscape and legacy of Fergus Falls. The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the sculpture, offering a renewed opportunity to reflect on its historical significance and continued presence in the heart of the community.
Joseph Whitmore
The Joseph Whitford sculpture was created by Ian Dudley, a designer and sculptor affiliated with the Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota. Commissioned in 2002, Dudley was selected for his experience with naturalistic sculpture and public installations. The project was initiated by Father William Gamber and the Fergus Falls High School class of 1947, who sought to recognize Whitford’s role in the founding of Fergus Falls. Dudley’s background in museum exhibition supported the historically informed representation of Whitford as an early settler.
The sculpture was cast in bronze using the lost-wax method, beginning with a wax model that was later cast at a foundry in Wisconsin. The figure depicts Joseph Whitford at full scale, carrying a rifle and a haversack used for transporting supplies while traveling for long periods of time. The sculpture is mounted on a pedestal made from two granite blocks selected from the Cold Spring granite quarry in Minnesota. The combination of bronze and local granite provides both durability and a connection to regional materials.
The Joseph Whitford sculpture commemorates one of the founders of Fergus Falls and marks the area near where he built the city’s first cabin in 1857. Located at the corner of Summit Avenue and Whitford Street, the site was chosen to reflect that early settlement. The project involved collaboration between local organizers, donors, and students, and was led by Father William Gamber and the Fergus Falls High School class of 1947. In addition to serving as a public memorial, the sculpture supports local history education and provides residents with a lasting visual reminder of the city’s earliest chapter.
Project Created by Lee Smalt 2024-2025