Larry writes:
> > Around on the north side of the Old City Hall is the "Mile Number One"
> > marker.
> This confused me a bit.  I think the marker is actually southeast of the
> building.  (Assuming I was reading the street maps right.)  To the north
> of the old city hall, across an alley, is the 1903 federal building, now
> used for some other purpose.

I would trust the man with the map and his feet on the ground every time. It
was the late 1960s since I stood there with my dad and Keats, I'm sure I was
caught up in the spirit of the place and lost to the reality.

> Further confusion: there is a much larger stone which might better be

Out of confusion arrises understanding! Thanks so much for your onsite
observations.

> You probably already know this, but the following comes from a Lincoln
> guidebook that was supplied in my room at the B&B.  In the South Street
> Temple (Congregation B'Nai Jeshurun), at 2055 S. 20th St., built 1923,
> "the walnut Ark of the Covenant was carved by Keats Lorenz, who came to
> Lincoln in connection with the State Capitol."

Excellent research! This is a piece of his work that is not listed, even in
what remains of Keats's own records. I did know that he had carvings at
Temple B'Nai, which brings to mind an interesting story. Back in the '20s
Keats had just about finished the architectural carvings for the temple when
a fire reduced his shop and most everything in it to ashes. Quite a setback,
but Keats set up a new shop and began again, this time delivering each
section of work to the construction site as it was completed. Half way
through the construction a fire broke out at the temple that destroyed most
of the carvings. You can imagine the effect this double blow would have on
anyone who puts his heart into his work. When he told me this story 35 years
later he surprised me by saying it was one of his best jobs--he got paid
three times and the chance to practice everything twice before the final
work.

Thanks for taking the time for the photos.

John
by hammer and hand great works do stand
by pen and thought best words are wrought

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