Winnipeg: | | | |
Golden Boy
The Golden Boy, a magnificently gilded 5.25M
(17.2-foot) figure, is probably Manitoba's best-known symbol. Embodying the
spirit of enterprise and eternal youth, he is poised atop the dome of the
building. He faces the north, with its mineral resources, fish, forest, furs,
hydroelectric power and seaport, where his province's future
lies.
The boy is a runner, like the messengers in
Greek mythology. He carries a sheaf of golden grain in his left arm, while his
right hand holds high a torch, calling youth to enter the race. The top of his
torch is 77 metres (255 feet) above ground and before the more recent
construction of high-rise buildings that today form Winnipeg's skyline; it was
the highest point in the city.
The figure was sculpted by Charles Gardet of
Paris, and cast in 1918 at the Barbidienne foundry in France. The foundry was
partially destroyed by bombs during the First World War, but the Golden Boy
emerged unharmed. The figure was rushed to a seaport and put aboard a French
ship carrying wheat. Before the ship could put out to sea, it was commandeered
for the transport of troops.
The boy lay in the hold of the ship, travelling
many miles, constantly in danger. When the war was over, the figure arrived at
Halifax and was shipped to Winnipeg and finally hoisted to the top of
Manitoba's
then-new Legislative Building.
The Golden Boy was in
place for the official opening of the Legislative Building in 1920. Except for
several months during 2002, when workers lowered the Golden Boy from the dome
for repair and refurbishing, he has stood proud as a symbol for all
Manitobans.
Government of Manitoba Legislative Tour -
http://www.gov.mb.ca/legtour/golden.html
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