Peace and Harvest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Peace and Harvest
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Peace
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jefferson and Hamilton Sts., Peoria, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1939 |
| Architect | Mary Andersen Clark |
| Architectural style | Depression Modern |
| NRHP reference No. | 87002527 |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1994 |
Peace and Harvest are two impressive stone statues located in downtown Peoria, Illinois, United States. These large statues are about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and are made from limestone. One statue shows a male figure, representing peace. The other shows a female figure, representing a good harvest.
These artworks were created by Mary Andersen Clark. She was a talented sculptor from Chicago who used to live in Peoria. The statues were part of a special government program called the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project. This project helped artists find work during a tough time in history. In 1988, Peace and Harvest were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important historical artworks.
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What Are the Peace and Harvest Statues?
The Peace and Harvest statues are more than just pretty sculptures. They tell a story about important ideas. The male figure, Peace, reminds us of calm and quiet times. The female figure, Harvest, represents gathering crops and the good things that come from hard work.
Who Created These Important Artworks?
The artist behind Peace and Harvest was Mary Andersen Clark. She was born in 1910 and became a skilled sculptor. She created these statues between 1938 and 1939. Her work was supported by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program started in the 1930s. It helped many Americans find jobs during the Great Depression. The Federal Art Project was a part of the WPA. It gave artists like Mary Andersen Clark a chance to create public art.
Where Have the Statues Been?
The Peace and Harvest statues have moved around quite a bit since they were first made.
Their First Home
The statues were officially dedicated on September 3, 1939. Their first home was in front of the Peoria Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. This building was located just north of what is now the Forest Park Nature Center. The statues stood there for many years.
Moving Around Peoria
In 1975, the sanitarium closed down. The statues then moved to the Peoria Courthouse Plaza. They stayed there until 1988. After that, they were stored in a Peoria firehouse for a few years. Because they were moved and stored, they briefly lost their status on the National Register of Historic Places.
Their Current Location
In June 1992, the statues found their current home. They were placed in front of the Becker Building. This building is located at the corner of Jefferson and Main Streets in downtown Peoria. They have been there ever since, continuing to represent peace and harvest for everyone to see.
