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DUNKIRK: Sculpture awaits more protection

Sculptor Peter Toth’s arrival in Dunkirk was celebrated and welcomed by many in 2014. He came on a mission that also was welcome — to refurbish the Whispering Giant creation that had taken a beating from Western New York winters.

During that summer, Toth became a part of the city. His location off Lake Shore Drive near the Tim Hortons drew hundreds due to curiosity and conversation. Once he completed the restoration, Toth was hoping that one day a permanent roof or enclosure could be created to maintain the work.

Eight years later that still has not happended. During this month’s Department of Public Works meeting in the city, there was some discussion. A couple of retired DPW workers might be able to build a new enclosure for the statue along Lake Shore Drive, DPW Director Randy Woodbury said. “It wouldn’t be hard to build. The hardest part would be the foundation,” he said.

According to the Wikipedia page on the Whispering Giants, there are also several similar pieces in Canada and one in Toth’s native Hungary. Toth has sculpted a total of 74 Whispering Giants, but at least 12 have gone missing or were destroyed.

Toth made a commitment to Dunkirk by placing the statue here. City leaders, especially after that 2014 visit, need to try to keep the promise.

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