Downtown Tryon has a new weathervane atop the Rotary Plaza clock tower. The three-dimensional scale model of the globally recognized symbol of the town, the Tryon Horse, affectionately known as Morris, is the result of cooperative planning by many individuals and organizations.
Conceived as part of the original Brady/Trakas architectural renderings for the structure in 2003, the Morris weathervane was not included in the 2005 construction of the clock tower, a joint project by the Rotary Club of Tryon and the Thermal Belt Rotary Club to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the founding of Rotary International.
Tryon would have to wait another six years to see the architect’s concept completed, but that wait is over, and the miniature version of the town’s symbol, locally handcrafted in copper and textured bronze, now overlooks downtown Tryon.
The final phase of this project began when Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) President Crys Armbrust asked local businessman and Rotary Club of Tryon member John Gargiulo to spearhead this final element as a complement to TDDA’s recent historical marker initiatives for Tryon’s Streetscape. Gargiulo accepted and contacted friend and colleague Joe Cooper of J.T. Cooper Studio, whose custom lighting fixtures and other creative works emphasizing “a contemporary approach to classic design” have evoked national recognition both for his studio and his design team, comprised of local artists Cooper, Bill Ratterree, Patti Peake and Jared Scott.
When shown the Brady/Trakas rendering, Cooper immediately accepted the task.
“I knew,” Cooper said, “that the generosity of many people, acting through the Rotary, had made the clock tower a reality. I felt, too, that we had an opportunity to join with these fine people, and so, in that same spirit, I agreed to donate our work.”
Because the decorative weathervane would require a structure that would allow it to move freely in the wind, yet be safely secured to the clock tower, the studio team needed an extra player. Walt Myers of Turner Junction Forge proved to be that player, and he facilitated the weathervane’s construction with engineering expertise and advice about proportion, not to mention building its swivel mechanism. Jared Scott created and applied the patina before the weathervane was installed.
After a number of “dress rehearsals” in Myers’ shop, the piece was ready for mounting. Tryon employee Adrian Chapman controlled the bucket lift as Bill Ratterree installed the fixture. With refreshments from the Trade Street Gallery Coffeehouse and some extra mounting screws from Cowan’s Hardware, the team completed the installation.
– submitted by Crys Armbrust