Topics

More

Distraction of the Day: The Story Behind That Replica Statue Of Liberty In The Susquehanna River

If you’re from Philadelphia like me, or from anywhere east or south of State College that requires you to take Route 322, you’ve probably rubbernecked at the above Statue of Liberty replica in the Susquehanna River on your way to or from school. Seeing that statue for the first time is one of the first memories related to Penn State in any way that I have, so the explanation about its origin that has circulated on social media this week is fascinating.

In 2011, CBS News did a feature on the oddly-placed replica of Lady Liberty. A Dauphin County lawyer named Gene Stlip built the replica statue out of plywood and venetian blinds 28 years ago to honor the 100th birthday of the real Statue. He and friends decided they’d sneak it atop an uprising in the river in the middle of the night. It caused such rubbernecking that cars would bump into each other on the highway, and some would just pull over to take pictures. It stood there for six years until wind blew it over, but it had become such a part of the community that it raised $25,000 to build a new statue, which has stood ever since.

Give it a look (the part about the statue starts around the 1:00 mark):

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Tim Gilbert

Former managing editor and staff writer.

[Photo Story] Sunday’s Festivities Conclude THON 2025 With A Bang

THON Weekend’s final day capped off with the announcement of the this year’s record breaking total.

News & Notes From Vice President For Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft’s Press Conference

Kraft touched on everything from NIL to Penn State wrestling.

Penn State Alum Dan Bongino Named FBI Deputy Director

Bongino graduated from Penn State in 2010 and has since protected presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, before creating his own podcast and radio show.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
63.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter

Other posts by Tim

Penn State’s New Academic Mark Is Just Awful

My brain is not able to understand how a team of people supposedly proficient in this industry gathered, looked at this new mark, and said, “Yes, this will do!”

Penn State Hoops To Host DePaul In Inaugural Gavitt Tipoff

James Franklin To Throw First Pitch At Yankee Stadium On April 28