Published: October 03, 2009 06:23 pm         

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: Max Ehrmann statue concept ideal for cultural appeal

TERRE HAUTE — Occasionally, an opportunity comes along that seems ideal.

That’s the case with a project to place a life-sized statue of late Terre Haute poet Max Ehrmann, seated on a park bench at the Crossroads of America. The bench would have room for folks to sit down next to Max, pose for pictures and read his iconic poem “Desiderata” on an adjacent bronze plaque. As pedestrians approach the landscaped site on the northwest corner of Seventh Street and Wabash Avenue, they’ll see key phrases from “Desiderata” on small plaques embedded in the sidewalk.

The concept is “just perfect,” said Pat Martin, chief planner for the city of Terre Haute.

Last weekend, the community showed its enthusiasm for the plan. A sellout crowd of 151 people attended “An Evening with Max Ehrmann” in the ornate lobby of the historic Indiana Theatre. The proceeds from the dinner, where guests paid $55 per plate, helped bring the effort closer to the $67,000 total needed to complete the venture. The crowd also was treated to a performance by a team of actors in a lively skit based on the old “To Tell the Truth” TV show. Four of the actors pretended to be “the real Max Ehrmann” as they answered questions about his life, recited his poetry and even sang an original song about Ehrmann. The script, written by Cultural Trail Coalition member Sherry Dailey, entertained and educated the audience.

The evening provided momentum for the Coalition, comprised of representatives from Wabash Valley Art Spaces, Arts Illiana, Downtown Terre Haute Inc., Vigo County Historical Museum, the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University, the Tribune-Star and other groups. The Cultural Trail Coalition formed in late 2007, aiming to create outdoor art sites to recognize internationally revered Terre Haute natives such as Ehrmann, activist Eugene V. Debs, author Theodore Dreiser, and songwriter Paul Dresser. Because of broad affection for Ehrmann and his choice to live in his hometown, the coalition chose Max to be the first memorialized in the long-range Trail plan.

Fundraising for “Max at the Crossroads” has surged past the half-way mark. The Coalition, though, is actively seeking more donations to make the site a reality. The contributions — which can be made through the nonprofit Wabash Valley Art Spaces Inc. at (812) 244-4216 — will help create a destination in the heart of the downtown district for admirers of Ehrmann’s writing from nearby and afar. The place will familiarize the young, middle-aged and old with the poet who famously urged mankind to “go placidly amid the noise and haste.” That is an ideal benefit to Terre Haute’s cultural and historical appeal.