 |
||||||||||||||||
| Most of the historical information you'll find regarding August Leimbach quickly reflect upon the Madonna of the Trail Monument. While the Madonna was his most recognized work of art, many of his detailed architectural commissions were no less involved. Various authors have already done a great job of gathering and presenting the story surrounding the monument and the Old Trails Route. While there's probably not much more I can add to the history of the Madonna, my interest in filling in the other blanks remains ongoing. | ||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
|
Sculptor August Leimbach and
Arlene Nichols Moss, DAR Committee Chairman. St. Louis, MO., 1927. |
||||||||||||||||
 |
As a boy I remember a brief visit from August and his son Rudy when they came to our St.Louis home in the very early 60's. Had I known that would be our only encounter, an impromptu art lesson would have been requested. Some time after his death, a collection of August's memorabilia appeared at our home. A black, weathered, thin leather folder full of enchanting sketches, photographs, newspaper and magazine clippings. I took the folder under my wing and would look through this treasure often. Controlling interest was in vein however as family members dissected the archives over the years, pulling out individual pieces for various uses. | |||||||||||||||
| Coming full circle, I have inherited what remains of the collection, but are well aware of some missing documents. Most notably for me, a detailed journal kept by August describing architectural projects and commissions by city, state, specific building, as well as Worlds Fair entries. Having this single booklet would prove invaluable in retracing and documenting his creative journey throughout the USA. From his writing on the back of old photos I have found reference to several terra cotta and stone companies which August had working relationships with. With little record of those companies today, it's possible that they were organized strictly for World's Fair efforts.
In the spring of 2006, some of August's oil paintings were pulled from a damp midwest basement where they had endured 30 years of St. Louis humidity. Those items were quickly dispersed however and I don't expect any of us will ever have the opportunity to embrace those as a collection. In the alternative, we can preserve what remains and continue to explore my great grandfather's contributions to art, history, and family. As a possibility, a book solidifying August's legacy may one day unfold. |
 |
|||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
In recognition of August and his great works of art, we are currently offering a fine art print and photo note cards utilizing original images. For more details, please visit the following page...
|
||||||||||||||||
August Leimbach, Madonna of the Trail, DMadonna of the Trail, Daughters of the American Revolution, sculptor, pioneer woman, August Leimbach, Kevin Karl, design, photography, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, St. Louis, poster, photo note cards, germany, Smithsonian Gift Shop, Library of Congreess gift shop, DAR museum gift shop |
||||||||||||||||