Located on the East Side at 73rd Street near Conservatory Water, the Waldo Hutchins Bench is one of Central Park's most unique and historically significant monuments. This remarkable bench serves as a tribute to Waldo Hutchins (1822–1891), a lawyer, congressman, assemblyman, and a key figure in the early administration of Central Park. Hutchins was a member of the first Central Park Board of Commissioners, a group of civic leaders responsible for overseeing the park’s design, construction, and operations.
At four feet tall and 27 feet wide, the Waldo Hutchins Bench is the largest bench in Central Park, offering a serene space for visitors to relax and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. The bench is also notable for its intricate craftsmanship and the meaningful inscriptions that reflect Hutchins' legacy of public service and commitment to the city of New York.
The Waldo Hutchins Bench
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| The Waldo Hutchins Bench at Central Park Source: Flicker |
Waldo Hutchins: A Champion of Central Park
Waldo Hutchins (Wikipedia) played a crucial role in the development and management of Central Park. As part of the first Central Park Board of Commissioners, Hutchins contributed to the successful creation of one of the most iconic green spaces in the world. His leadership helped shape the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the designers of Central Park, and ensured that the park became a vital public space for New Yorkers to enjoy.After his death in 1891, Hutchins' son honored his father's memory by donating the monument to the park in 1932. The bench was created by the Piccirilli Brothers, a renowned family of marble carvers and masons, who were responsible for many of New York’s most famous landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the lions outside the New York Public Library.
Design and Craftsmanship
The Waldo Hutchins Bench is not just a functional piece of park furniture but a work of art. The bench was crafted by the Piccirilli Brothers, whose impeccable craftsmanship can be seen in the elegant marble carvings that adorn the structure. The bench is made from fine Deer Isle granite, giving it a timeless and durable quality that matches the spirit of the park it honors.At the rear of the bench is a small sundial, designed by Paul Manship, a celebrated American sculptor known for blending classical and modern styles. Manship, whose work is also featured elsewhere in Central Park, including the Group of Bears and the Lehman Gates, adds a unique element to the memorial. The sundial symbolizes the passage of time, a theme echoed in the Latin inscriptions carved into the bench.
Latin Inscriptions: Messages of Legacy and Time
Two powerful Latin inscriptions are engraved on the Waldo Hutchins Bench, offering visitors philosophical reflections on life and time. The first inscription, “Vivas oportet si vis tibi vivere,” translates to “One must live for another if he wishes to live for himself,” a quote from Seneca, the Roman philosopher. This phrase speaks to Hutchins' legacy of public service and his dedication to improving the lives of others through his work in the city.The second inscription, located on the sundial, reads “Ne diruatur fuga temporum,” meaning “Let it not be destroyed by the passage of time.” While the origins of this phrase are uncertain, it reinforces the idea that Hutchins' contributions to Central Park—and to New York City—will endure for generations to come, much like the park itself.
The Piccirilli Brothers and Paul Manship: Master Artisans of Central Park
The collaboration between the Piccirilli Brothers and Paul Manship on the Waldo Hutchins Bench showcases the high level of artistry that went into the monument’s creation. The Piccirilli Brothers were renowned for their skill in marble carving and were responsible for numerous important works across the United States. Their contribution to the bench is a testament to their lasting impact on New York City's architectural landscape.Paul Manship, the sculptor of the sundial, was also a prolific artist whose work is prominently displayed in Central Park and beyond. His most famous work, the Prometheus statue at Rockefeller Center, remains a symbol of his ability to blend classical forms with modern sensibilities. His work on the Waldo Hutchins Bench adds a layer of artistic depth, further elevating the memorial’s significance.
Memorial Benches in Central Park: A Tradition of Tribute
The Waldo Hutchins Bench is part of a broader tradition in Central Park, where memorial benches were often used to honor influential figures involved in the park's creation and upkeep. These benches were designed to offer visitors a place to sit and reflect on the park’s beauty while also serving as a lasting tribute to the individuals who helped shape Central Park's legacy.In addition to the Waldo Hutchins Bench, two other notable memorial benches in Central Park include the Andrew Haswell Green Bench at Fort Fish and the Charles B. Stover Bench in Shakespeare Garden. Both of these benches, like Hutchins’, serve as places of quiet contemplation and as reminders of the individuals who made Central Park possible.
Visiting the Waldo Hutchins Bench
The Waldo Hutchins Bench is located near Conservatory Water, a peaceful area of the park known for its serene atmosphere and popular attractions like the Alice in Wonderland Statue and model boat sailing. The bench provides an ideal spot for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of Central Park while also appreciating its historical and cultural significance.Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a quiet place to sit during your visit to Central Park, the Waldo Hutchins Bench offers a unique opportunity to connect with the park’s rich history and the individuals who helped create it.
Conclusion:
The Waldo Hutchins Bench is a significant piece of Central Park’s history, honoring a man who played a crucial role in the park’s development. Through its thoughtful design, crafted by the Piccirilli Brothers and Paul Manship, and its poignant inscriptions, the bench stands as a timeless reminder of the values of public service, community, and the enduring beauty of Central Park.When visiting Central Park, take a moment to stop by the Waldo Hutchins Bench to experience a piece of New York City history and reflect on the legacy of one of its most important civic leaders.
