Deyoung Memorial Chapel

Sun Journal photo by Russ Dillingham LEWISTON — One of the 19th century’s most illustrious sculptors, who went to work in a cotton mill at age 15 and learned his art using clay from the banks of the Androscoggin River, got his start professionally in a tiny Main Street studio here before the Civil War.Franklin Simmons entered the field with nothing but empty pockets, a tub of potter’s clay, a few modeling sticks and big dreams that, against all odds, somehow came true.He died a wealthy man in Rome with his work on display around the country, hailed as a leader in his field, renowned for his bronze and marble images of historic figures from Alexander Hamilton to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.Not all of his legacy rests far afield, though.Two of Simmons’ full-length bronze statues stand within a mile of his old workshop, while two of his earliest pieces — marble busts of a pair of dignified fellows — reside on a shelf behind the reference desk of the Lewiston Public Library.At least five other works from the largely forgotten artist’s early years are missing.One of them may have gone up in flames after showman P.T. Barnum apparently displayed it in a legendary New York City museum under the pretense it came from ancient Greece. The others, though, have simply slipped out of sight.The Smithsonian has a list of 97 known works by Simmons, including a number in and around the U.S. Capitol in Washington. The four that exist on public view in Lewiston and Auburn are not among those cited.In addition to the two busts at the library, Simmons also created the Civil War soldier standing guard in Lewiston’s Kennedy Park and a full-size bronze of philanthropist Edward Little, completed in 1877 and restored a few years ago, that watches over his namesake Auburn high school.Whatever else Simmons created that may remain in the community is unknown.LEWISTON’S MISSING SIMMONS SCULPTURESWhen Simmons died in Rome in 1913, The New York Times noted that one of his old friends in Lewiston proudly possessed his f...

Joseph’s Home in Stockton, CA. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, June 28, 2019, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was 96 years old, still living on his own in his French Camp home, where he had lived for 70 years.    Bernie graduated from Stockton High School before enlisting in the Army Air Corps at the age of 19 on February 18, 1943. He flew 50 missions as an engineer gunner during the Asiatic-Pacific and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaigns. These flights were in A-26, B-25, and B-26 aircraft.    After WWII, Bernie had a variety of occupations including bartender, machinist, mechanic, and equipment inspector. He retired from the Sharpe Army Depot after 30 years of service and then re-entered the work force at San Joaquin County for another 5 years before permanently retiring.    Until recently, Bernie enjoyed bowling as one of the Senior Keglers at the Manteca Bowl. He was considered one of the best senior bowlers around. On January 11, 2011, he bowled 211. He also read two newspapers front to back every day. He enjoyed scratch-off Lottery tickets, our go-to gift for any occasion, as well as a shot of brandy each night before bed. He loved his family dearly and was dearly loved by them. He lived a good life. We will miss him. Bernie was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Katherine.    He is survived by his sisters, Marion Goodnight and Doris Moore; children, David (Jeryl) Rienhart and Diane (Manuel) Luis; grandchildren, David and Lester Rienhart, Eric and Danny Luis; great- grandchildren, Gaby, Moshe and Heida Rienhart, Reid and Drew Luis.   Visitation will held on Monday, July 15, 2019 from 4 p.m.to 8 p.m. at De Young Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St., Stockton. A last viewing will held on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at De Young Memorial Chapel. Graveside gathering will follow at 11 a.m. at Park View Cemetery, 3661 French Camp Rd., Manteca. In lieu of flowers, th...