The Jim Thorpe Area Sports Hall of Fame (HOF) was formed in 1989 to perpetuate the memory of Jim Thorpe, to honor local athletes and to support youth athletic programs in the community. One of the stated goals of the HOF was to have a life-sized statue constructed of the great athlete after whom the town is named.
The vision included erecting a statue that would compliment the existing mausoleum commemorating Jim Thorpe. The goal was accomplished in May of 2007, with the unveiling of a 8 foot bronze football statue.
With the statue in place next to the mausoleum, the organization visioned a second life-sized bronze statue of Jim Thorpe throwing the “discus.” The pose represents one of the events that Thorpe competed in during the 1912 Olympic games. This second statue was unveiled during May of 2011.
The HOF has now set a goal to construct a third and final life-sized bronze statue of Jim Thorpe in his baseball pose. With the third bronze statue in place at the mausoleum, this would compliment the final resting place of the “Worlds Greatest Athlete” and showcase his entire athletic achievements.
A federal lawsuit filed during 2012 by the sons of Jim Thorpe to have his remains removed and brought back to Oklahoma has deterred the HOF’s effort in constructing the third statue. With the lawsuit filed and appealing on both sides, it has taken about 3 ½ years to settle the issue. With the supreme Court Ruling in October of 2016 in favor of the town of Jim Thorpe keeping his remains, the Hall of Fame is trying to finish a 17-year project at the mausoleum.
On May 18, 1954, the twin boroughs of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk consolidated and voted to change their names to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania in honor of the “World’s Greatest Athlete” and one of the most renowned Native American’s of all-time, “the great,” Jim Thorpe. For the past 64 years, the town has bared this international icon’s name and have honored him many times over during this same period. Now, the HOF is attempting to honor this “great athlete” once again.
The HOF has recently commissioned Edmond E. Shumpert, a sculptor from Eupora, Mississippi, who is very enthusiastic and excited to proceed with this project. Mr. Shumpert, constructed the previous two bronze statues in ’07 & ’11. The price of the eight foot bronze statue, a six foot granite pedestal, shipping from Mississippi, and additional expenses to get the grounds properly suited for installation at the mausoleum, is estimated to cost about $70,000 plus.
For this to become a reality, the HOF will need financial funding from many friends, businesses, corporations and organizations. Corporate sponsorship is an important part of the fund drive. For a contribution of $500 or greater your name will be engraved on a bronze plaque attached to the granite pedestal that will stand for eternity.
The entire community of Jim Thorpe and the surrounding area are encouraged to join in the project. If you feel that you can offer financial support, please make your check payable to The Jim Thorpe Area Sports Hall of Fame and reference your intent toward the “Bronze Statue Fund.” The HOF is a non-profit organization and possess a 501 C3 status. All contributions are federally tax exempt and contributors will be recognized.
For more information or answers to your questions about the project contact one of the officers listed below.
Jim Thorpe Area Sports Hall Of Fame, Inc.
P.O. Box 4004, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-4004
President: Jack Kmetz – 570-325-4923
Vice President: Wilmer Redline – 570-325-3073
Secretary: Dave Zurn – 484-629-2283
Treasurer: Craig Zurn – 570-325-3631/3855
COMMITTEE
Don Herman, Teddy LaRizzio, Larry Cinicola, Ed Hawk, Chuck Hanna, Randy Rabenold
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