Mentor to Unveil James A. Garfield Statue with Community Celebration
- Joan Elloway-Nash
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Published: Apr 14, 2026 - 12:34 p.m.
MENTOR, OHIO — City officials are preparing to honor the city's most famous historical resident with a permanent tribute at the heart of the municipal complex. On Friday, July 3, 2026, the city of Mentor will host a public ceremony to unveil a new statue of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the Mentor Municipal Center on Civic Center Boulevard. This slightly larger-than-life bronze figure is the work of Alan Cottrill, a prolific sculptor based in Zanesville who has completed more than 400 pieces throughout his career. Cottrill's portfolio includes high-profile commissions, most notably the statue of Thomas Edison that represents Ohio in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. According to city records, the project aims to further cement the legacy of the president who once lived and campaigned from his Mentor home, Lawnfield, located just 2 miles away on Mentor Avenue. While the National Park Service manages the historic site where Garfield conducted his famous 1880 front-porch campaign, this new installation serves as a focal point for the city's administrative hub. The evening's festivities include a short formal program followed by a free community picnic on the grounds of the Mentor Civic Amphitheater. Residents are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to the amphitheater lawn for the gathering, which coincides with the city's broader Independence Day weekend schedule. The city plans to release specific details regarding event parking and the picnic menu as the date draws closer. Residents can check for updates on the official city website or through the Mentor Recreation Department. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.
Comments