Thursday, 4:30 PM
Federal grant will help restore Common sculptures
By Globe Staff
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will get $200,000 to help preserve three sculptures on Boston Common, US Senators John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy announced this afternoon.
The sculptures are in significant disrepair: the Brewer Fountain, erected in 1867 and the oldest public sculpture on the Common; the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, built in 1877 to honor Civil War veterans; and the Founding of Boston Memorial Tablet, erected in 1930 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the arrival of settlers in Boston.
Their restoration will aid Mayor Thomas M. Menino's efforts to spruce up the Common, the oldest public park in the nation. The grant comes through the Save America's Treasures program, said US Representative Michael E. Capuano, a Somerville Democrat.
"The Parks Department and the Mayor appreciate the support of our delegation to help us restore these historic American art treasures," city Parks Commissioner Antonia Pollak said in a statement.
