Statue of Liberty’s Birthday…

By Diane on October 28, 2010 in TODAY’S TRIVIA

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-lost to me

This is an excerpt from “The New Colossus” written by Emma Lazarus, in 1883 to help raise funds for the Lady Liberty’s Pedestal.

My most memorable trip to the Statue of Liberty was back in 1959 with my father. I can still remember the dress and brown coat and hat I had on. I also remember carrying my “Brownie” camera, a prize possession of mine and my first introduction to photography, a passion I still have.

The Statue of Liberty was given to us by France at a dinner party in 1865. It was constructed and designed by the sculptor Auguste Bartholdt. The statue was transported on the French frigate, “Isere” in 360 pieces and packed in 214 crates.

Official accepting of the statue on behalf of the U.S. was by President Groover Cleveland on October 28, 1886 making her 124 years old today.

Some Interesting Facts about the Statue of Liberty:

Wind speed at which Statue sways 3 inches: 50 mph
Torch sway in 50 mph wind: 5 inches.
Number of windows in the crown: 25
Number of spikes in the crown: Seven rays of the diadem
(7 continents & oceans of the World)
Hand with which Statue holds tablet: Left
Inscription on tablet:“July IV MDCCLXXVI” (July 4, 1776)

Height from base to torch: 152′

Foundation of pedestal to torch: 306′ 8″

Heel to top of head: 111′
Length of hand: 16′ 5″
Index finger: 8′
Size of fingernail: 13″x10″
Length of nose: 4′ 6″
Width of mouth: 3′ 0″
Tablet, length: 23′ 7″
Total weight of Statue: 450,000 pounds
Approximate fabric in Liberty’s dress: 4,000 sq.yds.
Bartholdi intentionally clothed Liberty as a classical Roman diety. She wears a palla, a cloak that is fastened on her left shoulder by a clasp. Underneath is a stola, which falls in many folds to her feet.