History: Who Was the Real Ernest Durig?
Contact:  Janet Schwarze
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 

Who Was The Real Ernest Durig?

Who Was The Real Ernest Durig?

The magnificent fifteen foot high monument to peace predominates the village park in Greenwood, Wisconsin. It stands before a wall of time worn fieldstones which were gathered from the life sustaining Black River by the sturdy pioneers who fashioned them into a fine municipal center. It was erected during the "Great Depression" and generously given to the struggling farm community by a sculptor who did not become famous until after he died as a pauper in 1962. At the time of its unveiling, Oct. 3, 1937 when dollars were short supply, it was valued at $50,000. In 1965, Life Magazine brought him to the forefront when they ran a multi-page article which declared Ernest Durig was a "Fake who sold forged drawings and paintings." No mention was made of his incredible gift to the city of Greenwood, Wisconsin. We would like to know what you think about him. Was he a Robin hood or a thief? Share your opinion by filling out the response form below.

Responses

After reading through all the various documentation presented on one hand it would seem that Ernest Durig was indeed a faker but on the other hand NO ONE can say he did not indeed sculpt the statue at Greenwood...another mystery it seems! Lani Bartelt

Two more chapters have been added to the Greenwood Peace Memorial collection which now includes both sides of the story and the city's reaction to the criticisms highlighted by Life Magazine in 1965. Take a peek at the newest chapters and then let us know what you think!  Janet