Alan Cottrill's second Lenape sculpture completed for Newcomerstown Historical Society
NEWCOMERSTOWN − Alan Cottrill, a Zanesville artist and Lenape descendant, was commissioned to create six Lenape tribe sculptures for Newcomerstown. The second of these sculptures was placed at the Newcomerstown Historical Society on Oct. 12, according to William Casteel with the society.
It represents Bemino “John Killbuck Sr.," who lived from 1704 to 1779 and aligned the tribe with the French during the French and Indian War, fighting mostly in eastern West Virginia. He was the son Chief Netawatwees (1686-1776), who moved the tribe to modern day Ohio, settling at both Newcomerstown and Coshocton. Netawatwees was known as a medicine man and chief of Lenape and Shawnee, leading them into major battles, Casteel said.
There are five more sculptures in the works to complete the Lenape Diaspora Memorial being constructed outside the Temperance Tavern Museum on Canal Street. Chief Netawatwees was the first to be built by Cottrill at the site.
The statues will stand 7 feet tall and represent some of the most important figures in Lenape history. The figures tell the story of the Lenape, or Delaware tribe of Native Americans. Pushed out of their original home in the Mid-Atlantic region, they continued to relocate as white settlers pushed them further west. Eventually, around 1759, they settled in Newcomerstown, known as Gekelmukpechunk to the Lenape.
To contribute to the Lanape sculptures, mail a check payable to Newcomerstown Historical Society to Park National Bank, 220 E. State St., Newcomerstown. Note Account 8454 on the check.
Christmas Wonderland
“There are many fun events on the roster for the upcoming holiday season," Casteel said.
The Historical Society will again host Christmas Wonderland. Individuals, groups, and businesses can participate by placing Christmas trees, tabletop trees or wreaths at the Olde Main Street Museum. "We are happy to furnish the tree, or you may furnish your own. Those participating will include the decorations, tree skirt, and anything you want to add under the tree. Each person visiting Christmas Wonderland will vote on their favorite entries, and we will feature the winners on the Newcomerstown Historical Facebook page,” he added.
Christmas Wonderland will run from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays beginning Nov. 10 and running through the end of the month.
The museum will be open Nov. 6 to 8 to decorate. For more information or to schedule a time to decorate, call Marianne at 330-440-9738 or Sarita at 804-586-3232. All proceeds will go towards the operation of the Newcomerstown museums.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Cottrill's second Lenape sculpture completed for Newcomerstown
