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Tom Conelly | all galleries >> Pennsylvania 20+ galleries >> Windber, PA > windber2--12_std.jpg
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Tom Conelly

windber2--12_std.jpg


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Joe Muscatello 27-Nov-2016 05:13
The statue is made from a 1935 picture of Roy Oyler, Jr., coming out of mine 35. The Oyler family has the original and Roy was the Grand Marshall of the parade when it was erected. Whitaker did take other pictures of children in coal mines.
A. Hrivnak 07-Dec-2014 22:32
The model for the statue was my grandfather Walter Hrivnak. He was born on Christmas Day 1931 and was the youngest of 5 children in the family. Upon discharge from the Army, he made his home in New Orleans where he met my grandmother and later had two children of his own. He was a retired Fireman and a retired painter, but he was always very proud to speak of the statue and being chosen to model for it.
Joe Muscatello 22-Apr-2014 15:25
This statue is Roy Oyler, . He was 13 years old at the time and was in the mine after school helping his Father, Roy, shovel coal. He is my Uncle
Jim Whitaker 22-May-2011 17:34
Jim Whitaker's email address is j.whitaker3@verizon.net
Jim Whitaker 22-May-2011 17:21
I am a great nephew of Lawrence Leroy Whitaker. I would be interested in obtaing a painting by Lawrence Whitaker. I am presenting working on the Whitaker Family History (genealogy) and would like to have a painting to be kept in the family. If you know of anyone willing to part with a painting, please contact me via email, etc.
Yes, I would be willing to pay for one of Lawrence Whitaker's paintings.
Thanks! Jim Whitaker
Guest 07-Apr-2011 21:34
JoAnn, do you think it would be possible to have a showing of Lawrence Whitaker paintings sometime in the future? We only have several at the museum but if you would be willing to help us with your paintings perhaps we could have a "Grand Showing in his Honor" many folks still recall him here in Windber. email me your response please. pdshaffer1@verzion.net
Patricia M. Durst Shaffer
Guest 01-Oct-2010 23:56
My mother, Ethel Shearon, was the niece of Lawrence Whitacre. She was raised by him and my Aunt Phoebe. They had a barber shop / hair salon. My mother often shared that when her uncle got an idea for a sculpture or a painting it did not matter who was visiting - he just got up and left the room. I have a beautiful oil on canvas and my brothers have some pieces of his art as well. JoAnn Abram Gillis, Lancaster, PA
Patricia Durst Shaffer 17-Sep-2010 10:47
In 1952 the Windber school children raised funds to have a 6 foot statue of a coal miner sculpted by Lawrence Whitaker. It stands in the center of town on Graham Ave. symbolizing the hard work of the miners of the area.
His work was acclaimed locally and in Pittsburgh and New York City. He was instrumental in organizing the Allied Artists of Johnstown, and was a member of the American artists Professional League.
Lawrence Whitaker died in the Windber Hospital three days after his 77th. birthday. Many people remember him or recall his name but few know what happened to his many paintings. We all reflect, if only for a moment, on the sculpture as we pass through town; it represents our heritage. A few of Mr. Whitaker's painting can be seen in the Windber Area
( David J. Shaffer) Museum , we invite you to visit, we will be open over the Christmas Holiday.