Mounted on a plaza near a major intersection in downtown Portland, Maine, “The Maine Lobsterman” sculpture defined what had become known as Lobsterman Park. This identity was further cultivated when the space was renamed John E. Menario Plaza, highlighting what it can mean for a legacy to evolve in ways that are meaningful across audiences and eras.
The History of the Maine Lobsterman Sculpture
“The Maine Lobsterman” sculpture is based on a cast that was originally created for the 1939 World’s Fair. Modeled after H. Elroy Johnson, who was an advocate for Maine’s working fishermen and lobstermen, the piece was created by Victor Kahill. It shows the figure pegging the lobster’s claw, which is how their claws were kept shut before rubber bands were utilized. Kahill’s model was supposed to be cast in bronze but funding forced them to utilize the plaster model that was then painted.
In 1973, the Maine Legislature secured the funds to cast three bronze versions of the sculpture from the original plaster cast. One of these pieces was placed in an empty city plaza by the Portland City Council in 1977. “The Maine Lobsterman” sculpture would eventually see the entire area referred to as Lobsterman’s Park.
In 2016, the area would be renamed as John E. Menario Plaza in honor of the person who served as the City Manager of Portland from 1967 to 1976. His vision laid the cornerstone for the revitalization of Portland, as he enabled a spirit of urban renewal to sweep through the city. His efforts would compel the widening of lanes and demolition of old buildings to clear the way for new developments that are essential to the identity of the city in the present.
Known as Menario Plaza after the rededication, the landmark features plenty of wide-open space for everything from impromptu events to Farmer’s Markets. Serving as a landmark for the entire city, residents and visitors now have distinct but equally compelling reasons to visit the space that might otherwise be an empty plaza.
A Dual Legacy of Portland and Maine
The dual legacy that Menario Plaza represents with The Maine Lobsterman sculpture as well as honoring John E. Menario highlights how a space and monument can compel engagement with audiences on multiple levels. This sort of engagement positively impacts communities in ways that resonate with both residents and visitors.
