This week’s piece is going to be relatively short. I am seeking your help to find a piece of Summers County history. This is a letter of authenticity from Charles O. Cooper. He was the sculptor of the John Henry Statue in Talcott, WV. His original model was used to complete the full-size statue in Talcott.
It was also used to make mini 16″ replicas of it. I have the one you see here and there is also one sitting in the Big Four Drug Store in Hinton. Dr Camara, who practiced in Hinton, WV, purchased the model that is referenced in 1973. It is the consensus of his family that it was sold after he passed.
More than likely it is sitting in someone’s garage, basement or attic locally. Please help me locate it. The first photo is the letter of authenticity, and the second photo is one of the 16″ models that was made from the mold Dr. Camara purchased.
The letter reads: “This letter is to verify the fact that the 16” high model of the JOHN HENRY Statue, fell size which is located over the Big Bend Tunnel in Talcott, West Virginia, and which you purchased from the Hilldale-Talcott Ruritan Club, is the original model which was used to complete the full-sized model above mentioned.”
“All reproductions of this 16” model are made from a mold of the original which is now in your possession”. As I said, it is more than likely still local. If you have any information about this local historic treasurer, please email me at greenbrierantiques@gmail.com.
