Volunteers Clean Up U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial By Amber Stearns 7/22/2010
The U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial along the canal downtown has a new and fresh look thanks to the efforts of the group of volunteers.
Volunteer Barry Fairfax says the memorial's condition drew the attention of the Indianapolis Radio League about 3 years ago when it was found covered in moss and black mold.
"Moss was growing around the base," says Fairfax. "Black mold and penetrated the individual letters. They just were not readable at all."
Then someone power-washed the memorial only to erase the black paint that accented the engraved lettering and other detailing.
Members of the league took 4 months to repaint the letters on the granite tablets by hand.
Volunteers then took an extra step by painting the stars around the bottom and colorizing the navy and marine emblems on the sides.
"Not only to restore the monument to its original condition, but to really clean it up...but the goal all along was to make sure it was done by the last week of July which is the upcoming survivors' reunion."
Fairfax says they were able to reach their goal of finishing the project on time.
The Survivors will be in town July 28 through August 1.
The memorial is located on the north end of the canal near Walnut St. and Senate Ave.
By Amber Stearns
7/22/2010
The U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial along the canal downtown has a new and fresh look thanks to the efforts of the group of volunteers.
Volunteer Barry Fairfax says the memorial's condition drew the attention of the Indianapolis Radio League about 3 years ago when it was found covered in moss and black mold.
"Moss was growing around the base," says Fairfax. "Black mold and penetrated the individual letters. They just were not readable at all."
Then someone power-washed the memorial only to erase the black paint that accented the engraved lettering and other detailing.
Members of the league took 4 months to repaint the letters on the granite tablets by hand.
Volunteers then took an extra step by painting the stars around the bottom and colorizing the navy and marine emblems on the sides.
"Not only to restore the monument to its original condition, but to really clean it up...but the goal all along was to make sure it was done by the last week of July which is the upcoming survivors' reunion."
Fairfax says they were able to reach their goal of finishing the project on time.
The Survivors will be in town July 28 through August 1.
The memorial is located on the north end of the canal near Walnut St. and Senate Ave.