The bronze elk statue which has been situated on Lake View Cemetery’s “Elks’ Rest” lot for nearly a century, was dismantled and shipped to a Penn Yan foundry for refurbishing. Submitted photo

One of Lake View Cemetery’s most recognizable longtime residents is currently receiving some much-needed love and attention in Upstate New York.

The bronze elk statue situated near the front of the cemetery along Lakeview Avenue was recently dismantled and shipped to the Penn Yan foundry of Dexter Benedict, the man who crafted the bronze statue of Robert H. Jackson that now sits outside the local learning center that bears his name.

According to Samuel Genco Jr., Lake View Cemetery superintendent and secretary, the decision to have the statue restored was long overdue, but is a welcome step taken toward ensuring another long residence by the statue upon its return.

“This was a joint decision between the cemetery and members of the Elks Club,” Genco said. “We had concerns about the statue because it was getting to the point where it was becoming a danger to visitors. It could’ve been knocked over rather easily, and was in the kind of condition that made us worry that someone could be hurt if they tried to do something to it.

“The monuments and statues and things of that nature in the cemetery are the property of the lot owners. So we approached the Elks a few times in the last few years, and this time they talked it over with their membership and agreed we should do something.”

For nearly a century, the bronze elk statue has called the lot adjacent to Lake View Cemetery’s main gate and office home. Owned by the local Elks Club, the portion of the lot on which the elk statue was originally placed was purchased July 6, 1920, by Louis Heineman — a philanthropic Elk who is now buried to the right of the statue. The lot is known as the “Elks’ Rest.”

The statue was put in place between 1920 and 1921. The lot was dedicated on June 1, 1921, starting with a procession from the Elks Club rooms, at the corner of Third and North Main streets, to the cemetery. A local band under the direction of Gilden R. Broadberry, who is now buried on the lot, led the procession. Many prominent Elks from all over New York State attended, and several of them spoke at the cemetery.

The bronze elk statue was made in Salem, Ohio, by the Mullens Body Corporation. It was attached to a granite base, which remains in place. The statue is hollow, and weighs about 200 to 300 pounds.

Over the decades, the statue fell into disrepair. Most of its large antlers were broken off many years ago, but they have been kept in storage in the cemetery office, and will be re-attached when the statue is refurbished. After the antlers were broken off, rainwater was allowed to collect inside the leg and hoof areas, causing multiple cracks and holes when it froze in wintertime over many years.

Genco said there had been discussion of replacing the statue with a new one, but he pushed for its restoration and return to the site upon which it has rested for the last 97 years.

“I voiced my preference that the statue, as a historical object, be refurbished and restored to its original form,” he said. “This statue was made to last, and it would be a shame to have seen it destroyed. It was a really well-made piece, and my hope is that the work done my Mr. Benedict will allow it to last for at least another 100 years.”

Lake View Cemetery personnel lifted the elk portion of the statue off its base after cutting through the solder connecting the elk’s hooves to the faux stone upper base. Although hollow, the statue had a tubular support system in the legs, with a form of plaster poured in around the tubes to provide extra stability.

Transportation of the statue to Benedict’s Fireworks Foundry in Penn Yan was undertaken by Don Bloomquist Jr. of Bloomquist Landscaping. The effort to refurbish the statue has been spearheaded by Don Bloomquist Sr., Jim Murphy and Rich Dixon of the local Elks Lodge.

Genco said there is no specific timetable in place as to when the statue will be returned, but added that Lake View Cemetery is pleased and grateful for the support and dedication of the Elks to maintain the “Elks’ Rest” as a suitable place of burial and remembrance for their departed brothers.

Additionally, he added that efforts are being made to ensure an easier method of assembling and disassembling the statue so as to conduct more regular maintenance in the future.