When most octogenarians celebrate their birthday, it’s usually with some close family and friends in the comfort of their homes. However, when former mayor of Baltimore William Donald Schaefer turned 88 on November 2, a small dedication ceremony at the Inner Harbor West Shore Garden turned into an exclusive affair.
Nearly 1500 people attended an unveiling of a new Schaefer statue in his honor – not including the entire Morgan State University Choir, the Baltimore City College High School’s Marching Band and city and state officials.
The seven-foot bronze statue is located between the Harborplace Light Street Pavilion and the Baltimore Visitor Center at Light and Conway streets. It was a gift to the city by Willard Hackerman, president and CEO of Whiting-Turner. Created by sculptor and artist Rodney Carroll, the statue captures a composite of Schaefer’s commanding presence during the 1980s. The idea of how to portray the distinguished mayor in the statue, said Carroll, was not an easy task, but paid off in the end.
“This was a wonderful project to be a part of and I cherished every moment. It was great challenge, pressure and a reward to do this sculpture,” said Carroll. “There is a lot of man built in this.”
The sculpture stands on a home plate – symbolic of Schaefer’s input on the establishment of Camden Yards.
“From this day forward, residents and visitors can see one of Baltimore’s biggest cheerleaders, and greatest visionaries – William Donald Schaefer – as he looks over the harbor he brought back to life,” said Mayor Sheila Dixon. “It serves as a fitting tribute to the leadership of a man who made the Inner Harbor one of Baltimore’s, and now one of the nation’s brightest jewels.”
Schaefer began his political career in 1955 when he joined the Baltimore City Council. He then became city council president in 1967, and served as mayor from 1971 until 1987. It was his 16-year term as mayor that transformed Baltimore from a factory town to a multi-million dollar tourism industry. He is credited for establishing the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the Gallery and the National Aquarium. In 1987, he was sworn in as Governor of Maryland followed by an eight-year run as Maryland’s comptroller.
“Governor Schaefer’s 50 years of service are a remarkable testament to his love and loyalty to the people of Maryland, and to his beloved Baltimore," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "To simply classify his list of accomplishments as ‘long’ would be akin to referring to the Great Wall of China merely as a 'big fence.' Every time a family enjoys a baseball game at Camden Yards or a weekend stroll by Inner Harbor, it is in some way possible because of his leadership."
Schaefer, who is known for his “get it done now” attitude grew teary-eyed when enthusiastic spectators rose in a standing ovation for his endless contribution to the city.
The Morgan State University Choir added to the ambiance with their rendition of “God Bless America,” while waving Maryland State flags and red and yellow confetti filled the air.
“I was a child when Schaffer was in office, but I’m still aware of the presence he had in many Baltimoreans’ lives,” said 29-year-old Baltimore resident Gerard Hanks, who attended the event. “It goes to show how many lives he’s affected – and how many lives who will continue to reap the benefits for all he has done.”
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