This was our first effort to find an oddity that can be found during an easy day trip. We thought that a jaunt down Highway 97, in Siskiyou County, CA would be a nice drive, since it also is named the “Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.” Bob then noted that the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden was listed on the map, and the search was on. Located about ninety minutes from Medford, we found the drive met our expectations for interest and beauty. The picture gallery gives a sense of the surrounding terrain. Mt. Shasta is visible during most of the drive. In fact, the Sculpture Garden is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.
The Sculpture Garden more than met my expectations. Located on 136 acres of Forest Service Land, it includes an array of sculptures reflecting the many roles veterans have played. There also is a memorial wall that lists the names of veterans dating back to WWI. We assumed that they were Siskiyou County residents. It is described on their website (lmsgarden.org) as a “place for reflection and remembrance.” There were few people there, aside from a small group of Israeli tourists who stopped briefly. Aside from the wind in the pines, there was almost no sound. I found the sculptures, rugged landscape, and solitude both sobering and calming. Anne (July 20, 2022)
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Bobnote 7/20/22 — But is it really an oddity? Yes, just consider the statues as depictions of humans — metal, elongated, faceless, larger than life size — they are definitely odd. But in context and in location, much more than just odd. They both stand out from and blend in with the stark environment with an anonymity that stresses their universality. And surrounding the oddly majestic statues there is abundant evidence of real people. Many many flags, large and small, fresh and faded. Banners and ribbons, pebbles and coins left on the blocks holding the statue title plaques. And here and there, stones on the ground that might indicate graves, or maybe just commemorations. The combination of effects is powerful.
