A sculpture in Idaho Falls honors a beloved children's author, but the story behind it is a captivating journey through time and creativity. Unveiling the past, one masterpiece at a time.
The downtown Idaho Falls sculpture, located at the Idaho Falls Public Library, is a tribute to Wilson Rawls, the author of the cherished children's book 'Where the Red Fern Grows.' The sculpture, created by local artist Marilyn Hoff Hansen, depicts Billy Coleman and his dogs, bringing the story to life. But it's not just the sculpture that's captivating; it's the tale of how it came to be.
Hansen, a renowned sculptor and painter, has a passion that has brought her acclaim across the nation. At 94 years young, she has been sculpting since childhood, shaping clay into masterpieces. Her works have graced universities and galleries, including the prestigious Smithsonian Institute, and have garnered numerous awards. Horses are a recurring theme in her art, a nod to her childhood spent riding them.
The sculpture of Billy and his dogs holds a special place in Hansen's heart. It was commissioned by Temple View Elementary, where the fifth graders were reading Rawls' book. The school principal asked Hansen to create a memorial for Rawls, who had lived in Idaho Falls while writing the book. Hansen's initial small-scale model toured the town, sparking interest from the city, who then commissioned the full-scale sculpture.
And here's where it gets fascinating: the models for the dogs were a pair of real-life red tick hounds from Blackfoot, and multiple grandchildren posed as Billy, including Hansen's granddaughter, Amanda Ward, now an Idaho State Police trooper. The community was deeply involved in the creation process, with students, teachers, and librarians watching Hansen work and even contributing their own clay to the sculpture.
But who was Wilson Rawls, and why is his connection to Idaho Falls so significant? Rawls, a man with a tumultuous past, had spent time in prison for various offenses before finding his way to Idaho. He worked for the Atomic Energy Commission and later for a sheep rancher named Jimmy Stewart in Monteview. It was during this time that Rawls wrote 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' inspired by his childhood experiences. Rawls' manuscript, however, was riddled with errors, but with the help of Stewart's daughter, Karen Stoddart, and his future wife, Sophie Styczinski, he polished the story and got it published.
Rawls' life in Idaho Falls was a pivotal chapter in his journey. He found love, support, and the encouragement to pursue his dream of writing. The sculpture stands as a testament to his time in the city and the impact he had on the community. The dedication ceremony in 1999 was a celebration of Rawls' life and his literary contribution.
The story doesn't end there. Stewart Petersen, the actor who played Billy in the 1974 film adaptation, developed a close bond with Rawls during filming. Petersen admired Rawls' kindness and genuine nature. The film brought Rawls' story to an even wider audience, solidifying his legacy.
Years later, the impact of Hansen's sculpture endures. The fifth graders who witnessed its creation have grown up, and Hansen cherishes the letters they wrote to her. The sculpture continues to captivate, with Hansen recently sending a replica to the University of Oklahoma for a children's book sculpture garden.
This sculpture is more than just a tribute; it's a gateway to a rich history. It invites us to explore the life of Wilson Rawls, a man who overcame adversity to become a celebrated author. It also celebrates the power of art to connect generations and preserve memories.
And this is the part most people miss: the sculpture is a reminder that creativity can flourish in unexpected places, and that small-town connections can lead to lasting legacies. It begs the question: how many other untold stories are waiting to be discovered in the hearts of our communities? Share your thoughts on this captivating tale and the power of local art in the comments below.
