Judith Basin Historical Society
Kicks off Fundraiser
By VICKY MCCRAY
Press News-Editor
Judith Basin County will soon have a three-quarter sized rider and bucking horse sculpture to grace the south side of the courthouse. J.C. Dye, the artist who gifted the monument to the county, recently sketched his idea for the final placement of “On Top of the World.”
Fundraiser organizer Tess Brady said the Judith Basin Historical Society will kick off the fundraiser for the bronze this weekend. She said the total cost of the project will be about $20,000. The monument will have to be cast in bronze and set on a permanent base. The funds raised will pay for these things, as well as for the cost of cement and placing the commemorative bricks. Lighting for the monument and final landscaping will also be paid with these funds.
Brady said plans are to sell 200 bricks at $100 each. “We have tried to make it affordable for everyone who wants to participate,” she said.
“I’d like to stress, too, that these bricks can be purchased by clubs, classes, businesses and families, as well as in remembrance of deceased loved ones,” Brady added.
The timeline for the project includes a completion date of June 2009. Anyone interested in buying a brick can contact Brady. She has a form that must be completed to ensure the proper spelling of names; this form will be sent to the engraver. Completed forms can be sent to Brady at Box 315, Stanford, MT 59479
Dye met with county commissioners in May to offer this monument to the county. He said he had been wanting to do something like this for the county for a long time but hadn’t had a monument that he felt would be suitable for the courthouse.
“On Top of the World” is a piece Dye has created for a shopping mall developer in Arizona. It measures 101 inches from the bottom of the work to the tip of the rider’s hat and will be a fine addition to the courthouse grounds.
