Yulee statue unveiled

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

June 12, 2014 4:51 p.m.

Members of the public arrived early to get a good seat for the Yulee statue unveiling.

Despite threatening skies and a few rain drops a large crowd gathered at the historic train depot on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach at noon on June 12, 2014 for the unveiling of the David Levy Yulee bronze statue.  This statue was commissioned by the Amelia Island Fernandina Restoration Foundation as a gift to the city to honor Senator David Levy Yulee (1810-1886), the prime mover behind the Florida Railroad Company and the founding of modern Fernandina.  The statue, fully funded by private contributions, represents part of the Foundation’s contribution to the restoration of the historic train depot, which is being funded in major part by the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council and the City of Fernandina Beach.  That project is well underway today.

Rachael Dollar reads congratulatory remarks from US Senator Bill Nelson.

There is no other existing statue honoring Yulee, the man who has been called both the Father of Florida Statehood and the Father of Florida Railroads.  Susan Luery, the sculptor of the life sized statue, was on hand for the unveiling.

Senator David Levy Yulee (Harry Green) awaits his turn to address the audience.

The audience heard remarks from  Adam Kaufman, Restoration Foundation president; Ed Boner, Fernandina Beach Mayor; Nassau County Commissioner (District 1) and Tourist Development Council Chair Danny Leeper; and State Senator Aaron Bean.  United States Senator Bill Nelson who could not attend sent a letter which was read by Rachael Dollar of his Jacksonville office.  And making a special appearance was Senator Yulee, as portrayed by Amelia Island Museum of History first person enactor Harry Green.

Following the remarks, the Yulee statue was unveiled, providing immediate photo opportunities for ceremony participants and the public.

Fernandina Beach Mayor Ed Boner, Nassau County Commissioner Danny Leeper and State Senator Aaron Bean join sculptor Susan Luery in unveiling the statue.

Seated: Sculptor Susan Luery flanked by TWO senator Yulees with Mayor Boner, Restoration Foundation President Adam Kaufman, County Commissioner Danny Leeper and State Senator Aaron Bean looking on.

Mary Agnes White, an original member of the Restoration Foundation, and local attorney Arthur I. "Buddy" Jacobs, the first Executive Secretary of the Foundation, share a moment with Senator Yulee.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.