SCOPE
July, 1948
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America's Beacon |
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Sent by the people of France to the people of America in sincere tribute to the struggle against tyranny carried out during the American Revolution, the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol to every freedom lover in the world. Almost a trade mark of the United States, the statue is the first sight to greet anyone who Enters the country through the Atlantic coast port of New York.Opening wedge in the movement to create the statue came from a French historian and political writer, Edouard Rene de Laboulaye. Laboulaye, a.fiery republican and great admirer of American ideas, insisted to a group of his friends that a token of France's amity be sent to the States for the 100th celebration commemorating the emergence of the American Republic. The plan was enthusiastically received and a sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, dedicated himself to the task. He visited America, returned to France, then spent nine years completing the heroic figure of Liberty freed from bondage. |
 In France, with funds raised by popular subscription and lottery, Bartholdi began the tedious task of scaling up his original 1.25 meter model to a 151 foot figure. The interior framework supporting the copper shell was built by the designer of the Eiffel Tower. |
 As part of the American campaign to raise funds for the monoument's base and pedestal, its arm and torch were exhibited in New York's Madison Square Park (above, right). Then the 220-ton statue was dismantled in Paris, crated, and shipped here aboard the Isere.  |
 It took almost a year to assemble the colossal figure on Bedloe's Island in New York Bay. Bartholdi himslef assisted in the work. |
 On October 28, 1886 in a heavy mist and a sprinkling of cold rain, the Statue oif Liberty was officially dedicated. New York declared a holiday to set off the parades, speeches and water spectacles. On the first clear night, the entire harbor was illuminated (below).  |
 Americans still overawed by their extraordinary gift, delight in memorizing the gigantic dimensions of the statue. From the foundation to the torch, it measures 305'-6"; each eye is 2'-6"; the nose 4'-6"; the hand 16'-5"; index finger 8"; and each nail, 10' x 13". |
 No one appreciates the message "Liberty Enlightening the World" as much as the European immigrant. Of the estimated 18,000,000 who have entered this country since the statue's erection, a good proportion came for fulfillment of the promise its torch proclaims. |
 To a half million Americans each year ,the Staue of Liberty is a "must" on every visit to New York. A ferry deposits them on Bedloe's Island (above), where they are greeted by a member of the National Park Service, administrative agency for the historic site.  |
 Hardy tourists usually cvlimb the 168 steps that wind in a tight spiral to the crown. Two rest platforms break the journey, and those tiring may cross over to a descending stairway without delaying others. However, an elevator runs to the balcony level. |
 Held aloft by its upraised arm (closed to the public) is the staue's torch (above). Illuminated each night by 14 over-sized lamps, the torch serves a lighthouse function for New York Bay area. Pictured below is the electric brain center of the statue.  |
 A little known fact about the Statue of Liberty is that it shares Bedloe's Island with seven families, all government employees. Pf course, there are no stores on the island and all food comes from the mainland by ferry. However, Monday is washday no matter where. |
 By day or night, in war or in peace, the majestic lady in the Bay is a thrilling sight. Close-up however, its appearance is growing steadily seedier. A bill is now in Congress calling for enough money top maintain the monument in a manner fitting its fame. 
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READER'S SCOPE is published bi-monthly by Lev Gleason Publications, Inc., at 114 East 32nd Street, New York 16, N. Y. Entered as second class matter at the Post Ontce at New York, N. Y ., on June 12, 1944, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Additional entry at the Post Office at Buffalo, N. Y. Entire content. copyright 1948 by Lev Gleason Pnblications, Inc., July, 1948. Vol. 6, No.1. Single copies. 25c. Subscription. in the U.S.A., $3.00 per year. CanadIan and Foreign subscriptions, $4.00 per year. Every possible care will be taken, but the editor. and publishers will assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. If return of manuscript is desired, a stamped, sell-addressed envelope must be enclosed. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Note: Four weeks' notice required for change of address. Please send in old as well as new address, otherwise changes cannot he made. |
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