“The Falconer” at Lynch Park

Photo and Commentary by Greg Halle

I chose the statue of "the Falconer" to symbolize Beverly because of its symbolism and its history. The statue of the Falconer is a replica of the original, which can be found in Central Park in New York. George Blackall Simonds sculpted the Falconer in 1872, it was Greek inspired and symbolized conquest. The statue was recreated and was placed at Lynch Park where it took on new meaning. In the eyes of Beverly natives like myself, this Falconer is seen as a symbol of home and memories of good times had at Lynch Park.
The Falconer will not always lie between the rose garden and the sea wall forever. The statue has already seen change, for it was once a deep copper color but now it is green from corrosion much like the Statue of Liberty. Both statues turned green from the salty air of the might Atlantic. Sadly, the Falconer might not always be there. It could be forgotten as easily as it could be remembered. So many things have been forgotten over the course of time, the Falconer could just be another one of them.

I do however believe that the Falconer may not just be an intersection in time, it has the potential of being immortalized. Even if the Falconer itself is no longer present in the future, what it symbolizes will. Beverly residents years from now may not see of the statue of the Falconer but, they will see something in its place whether it be a landmark or a building it will symbolize home and mood memories like the Falconer did.