Kane may not be the great plains, but a Great Plains wolf will be watching over the borough nonetheless.
On Wednesday, Dick Bly, chairman of the Kane Historic Preservation Society offered an update on the project to install a McCleery Wolf community sculpture in front of the Kane Depot, at the intersection of Fraley and Biddle streets.
He explained artist Bill Secunda of Butler is working on the art piece now.
“Members from the society were down a few weeks ago to check the progress of the wolf sculpture,” Bly said, in a press release. “The McCleery Wolf Community Sculpture is progressing nicely.”
Secunda is a national artist that makes custom life-size animal statues and other sculptures using a variety of different kinds of metal including nails. Nail art is an award-winning technique that Secunda created years ago.
“The fundraising campaign for the sculpture has been very positive and donations are strong,” Bly explained. “The sculpture is being designed for the community and any amount donated is a gift and well appreciated.”
Donation jars have been placed in a few businesses around town including Pepe’s, Table 105, Roma Gardens, Kane Lumber & Fuel, and Bob’s Trading Post. Donations can also be sent directly to Kane Historic Preservation Society.
“A dedication ceremony unveiling the wolf sculpture is planned for Friday, September 4, 2020, at the depot,” Bly added. Further details will be available as the event gets closer.
Steve Dyne Excavating and Highlander Energy Systems are assisting with the project as well.
The history of the wolf in Kane goes back to the early 1900s.
In 1921, Dr. E.H. McCleery of Kane began purchasing Great Plains Buffalo wolves and bringing them to Kane. Between 1921 and 1930, he purchased nearly 30 wolf pups.
Today, the remaining wolf pack is under the care of Wolf Haven International and lives on a 400-acre ranch in Bridger, Mont. Meanwhile, the largest collection of artifacts about the wolves remains at the McCleery Discovery Center, which opened in 2017 at the Kane Depot.
The McCleery Discovery Center was established at the Kane Depot in 2017 and houses the largest collection of Great Plains Buffalo wolves artifacts.
