James Pendergast Memorial
Owner: KCMO Parks and Recreation
Artist: Frederick Cleveland Hibbard (monument), Tom Corbin (children)
Dates: Dedicated July 4, 1913; Relocated March 17, 1990; Replacement children placed 1990
Medium: Bronze, Vermont granite
Description:
James Pendergast is an historic political figure in Kansas City. He was a First Ward alderman and the older brother of Thomas Pendergast, who ran political machine of Kansas City in the 1920s. Thomas had this statue of James, with two children, erected after his brother's death using taxpayer money. The plaque about James Pendergast is on the west face of the base, the other plaque is on the east face.
The bowls held by the children were originally designed to serve as drinking fountains. This monument has been a frequent victim of vandalism. The figures of the children have been stolen whole and in part on several occasions. The existing children are replacements for the originals that were sculpted by Kansas City artist Tom Corbin in 1990.
The James Pendergast Memorial was originally located in Mulkey Square at 13th and Summit. It was relocated to its current location in West Terrace Park/Case Park (whichever you prefer) on March 17, 1990. It is just to the south-southwest of the Corps of Discovery sculpture of Lewis & Clark.
