News Summary

George Rogers Clark has a new neighbor downtown.

A statue of Harry Toulmin, the Springfield lawyer who handled the Wright brothers' "flying machine" patent, was unveiled in a ceremony on the plaza Thursday evening.

Organizers said the statue, located on Main Street across from the Bushnell Building, where Toulmin's office was located, is one of many sculptures in the works for the community. It's near Clark's statue.

"There's a sculpture committee that's been working on landmarks for the community," said John Landess, executive director of the Turner Foundation. "They're trying to prioritize a list of important people that they want to have an image of here in the community."

Toulmin was selected as part of the 100th anniversary of the flying machine patent this year, said Dave Lightle, marketing communications director, National Aviation Heritage Area.

"It's not always all Dayton when it comes to the Wright brothers," Lightle said.

Toulmin practiced patent law in Washington, D.C., and came to Springfield in 1886.

"He was a pioneer as a patent lawyer," said William Neukom, former top Microsoft attorney. "Together with the Wright brothers, they ushered in the age of flight."

Toulmin handled five patents for the Wright brothers over a period of 11 years.

The 8-foot sculpture is a bronze work by artist Michael Major. The statue was financed by the Turner Foundation, the Della Selsor Trust and Mrs. Jane Hollenbeck.

Amanda Wright Lane, great grandniece of the Wright brothers, said the statue was a tribute to what her uncles accomplished.

"It's humbling," said Lane. "And it's a source of great pride."

Officials hope to erect statues of the Wright brothers flanking the Toulmin sculpture, said David Martin, business manager for Major.