November 2009

The Metropolis Chamber of Commerce has been eagerly awaiting a decision concerning its application for state tourism funds for the Noel Neil Statue, and the good news has finally arrived. 

An Illinois Tourist Attraction Grant in the amount of $29,500 has been awarded to the Metro Chamber for the project that will give visitors yet another attraction to see while visiting Metropolis. The six foot bronze statue will depict Noel Neil as Lois Lane and will feature a pedestal that will be constructed of engraved bricks, similar to the Superman Statue.  The statue will grace the northeast corner of 8^th and Market streets.

Metropolis Chamber of Commerce President and Statue Committee Chairman Clyde Wills says that this in an excellent example of how things can be accomplished when area agencies and organizations work together.  “It took efforts from the City of Metropolis, Banterra Bank, Metropolis Tourism, Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, Metro Chamber and the Illinois Department of Tourism to make this statue a reality.”

The statue idea was presented to Neil as a gift during her 85^th birthday party celebration in California a couple years ago.  Neil is well known for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the memorable television series, The Adventures of Superman.

A small model of the statue is currently being created for approval prior to production starting on the full-size statue.  Plans are to have the statue in place for an unveiling by the next Superman Celebration in June 2010. 

The artist who created the 15-foot Superman statue, Gary Ernest Smith of Highland, Utah, has been chosen to create the near life-size statue of Noel Neil.  The statue will be cast in bronze at by Kevin Maag of Metal Arts Foundry in Lehi, Utah, who also was a part of the Superman statue project.  Wills says that these two men have a fine reputation in producing quality work.

The statue and base are expected to cost approximately $70,000.  Earlier this year, the Metropolis City Council approved funding for up to $40,000 to complete the project.  The city’s contribution will come from hotel/motel taxes, not city operational funds.  Hotel/motel taxes are designated to be utilized for tourism projects only.  Engraved brick sales will also cover a portion of the project cost.

Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel said the Noel Neill statue will provide another avenue for tourism noting that the two statues will encourage visitors to walk for several blocks along Market Street. McDaniel also expressed his gratitude to Banterra Bank for their generous donation of land.  Banterra has leased land at the corner at 8^th and Market streets to the city, which will in turn lease to the Chamber of Commerce for $1 each year.

“This statue will be a lovely tribute to a lady who has given so much of herself to Metropolis,” says Lisa Gower, co-chairman of the Superman Celebration.  Neill, also known as “The First Lady of Metropolis,” has been a frequent guest of the Superman Celebration and broke ground for the statue in June of this year. 

Gower explains that personalized engraves brick sales are critical to the completion of this project.  “Engraved bricks are available for $75 and make wonderful holiday gifts,” she added. 

Bricks may be purchased at the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce at 607 Market St.  Information about the statue and bricks is also available at www.noelneillstatue.com or by calling 524-2714.

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