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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, February 9, 2014, pg. 3 During the next two weeks in this column I’d like to focus on some "contemporary history" topics. The entrance-way to any community can make an important "first impression" selling point to visitors and potential clients. The entrance way can give an indication of the economic condition of a community, and the sense of civic pride the town has or doesn’t have. Many communities have made special efforts to erect monuments or decorations as one enters a city limits. Here in Albion there are several monuments or artworks that can be seen in various locations. For example, we have the Molder Statue in downtown Albion across from the Post Office. Then there is that colorful "Forks" mural by artist Maggie LaNoue, painted on the side of the building by the alleyway by First Merit Bank. Another mural, this time painted by artist Jerome Washington, is located near the old West Ward School site and features prominent leaders. Of course we mustn’t forget the cannon in front of the Albion Armory. Have you noticed however the latest sculpture addition to Albion’s artistic landscape? It is appropriately located at the city limits on N. Eaton St. at the busy I-94 entrance ramp, just under the strategic "Welcome to Albion" entrance sign next to the boarded up Ponderosa restaurant, across the road from the closed B P Gas Station, just up the street from the boarded up Burger King restaurant. Perhaps you’ve seen it, too. This sculpture looks like a tornado hit it, but if you look at it real closely, you too will be singing, "Everything is beautiful, in its own way." In a twist (pun intended ) of irony, I think more people have looked at that sculpture ever since it’s "recreation" by mother nature a few months ago, than in its former life as a commercial directional sign. I wanted to give credit to the artist who designed this, but, alas, I couldn’t find a signature anywhere. I did get one clue, however. I think this could have been designed by one of our budding young people who might have been a little bit pudgy, because I found the words "Big Boy" neatly painted on it. In any event, this is truly a piece of "urban art," and I’m surprised there hasn’t been anything written about it yet. Perhaps there should be a dedication ceremony held in the spring when the snow melts. Why, some local group could pitch in and plant a bed of dandelions around it to give it the colorful accent background it needs. From our Historical Notebook this week we present a photograph of our entrance way to the great City of Albion featuring our latest sculpture. The signs on the right read, "Welcome to Albion. Do Not Enter. Wrong Way." In the center is the sculpture. How many of our readers have seen this?  Welcome to Albion!  The Sculpture by the Entrance to the Great City of Albion All text copyright, 2026 © all rights reserved Frank Passic | Artwork copyright Maggie LaNoue © 2026
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