Alfred Benjamin Memorial
Owner: Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department
Artist/Designer: Francis Packer with architect W.F. Fix
Dates: May 29, 1927
Description:
Height: 13 feet (ground to top of figurines)
Length: 28 feet
Width: 14 feet
Two bronze figures, representing the strong giving aid to the weak, are mounted on a rectangular stone base with a cut stone bench on each side and a drinking fountain projecting outward in front.
Dedicated to the memory of Kansas City philanthropist Alfred Benjamin, this monument that faces east in Swope Park, was donated to the City by his family and friends. The huge bronze figure group symbolizes strength and weakness, and depicts a modern Good Samaritan. Two nine foot figures are seated on a boulder with a plowshare visible in the background that rests on a five foot marble base. One figure is offering a drink to the other. A semi-circular drinking fountain is no longer operable.
Alfred Benjamin established a foundation of Jewish Charities in Kansas City. He gave funds to build the Alfred Benjamin Dispensary, a medical clinic. He also helped to establish a camp for Jewish children.
This memorial was presented to Kansas City by his friends. Carved on the stone base beneath the bronze figures are these words:
In memory of Alfred Benjamin whose noble deeds are enshrined in the hearts of his fellowman.
On the front face of one stone seat back is carved “Charity” and on the other “Humanity”.
Inscription:
In Memory of Alfred Benjamin Whose Noble Deeds Enshrined Him In the Hearts of His Fellow Men A.D. 1927".
Bench Back, on the right, Charity
Bench Back, on the left, Humanity
