‘Billy Yank’ statue may have light within weeks

Downtown Hamilton Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument

HAMILTON — “Billy Yank” the iconic soldier statue topping the Butler County Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument has been in the dark for months and it could be several more weeks before the lights shine again.

County and city of Hamilton officials have received a number of calls about the lack of lighting, according to Mark Gadd, county facilities manager. Upkeep of the monument dedicated on July 4, 1906, lies with the county and there is a plan to replace the 30 bulbs as soon as weather permits, he said.

One of those inquiring was Hamilton resident Robert Arnold who started complaining to the city in December.

“It just seemed disrespectful, we are at war and it is to honor those who defended our country,” Arnold said. “(The monument is) synonymous with Hamilton ... the first thing you see when you go across the bridge.”

“Billy Yank” is a bronze statue of a young Civil War soldier that weighs 3,500 pounds and is 14 feet tall. The statue, created by Rudolph Theim, a Hamilton sculptor, is waving his cap victoriously in the air while standing on an exploded shell.

The monument stands on the site of Fort Hamilton, built by Gen. Arthur St. Clair in 1791 and enlarged by Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne in 1792.

Gadd said the commissioners are aware of the situation and a contract for $6,000 has been awarded to Wargo Electrical Inc. of Hamilton to rehab and relight not only “Billy Yank” but other lights on the facade of the monument.

“But the weather got us,” Gadd said. To reach the building’s dome where “Billy Yank” stands, workers will have to put a 125 foot boom truck on the monument grounds and the mild, wet weather makes that a challenge.

“Because of the mild, rainy winter, the ground is too soft to support the weight of the equipment. The boom truck could cut into the monument’s lawn and even damage the monument,” Gadd said.

As soon as the ground dries out, the project will be completed over a weekend. The road surrounding the monument will be closed for two days to facilitate the truck.

Gadd said it is not an easy job because “Billy Yank” is 100 feet above ground and many of the light fixtures have been damaged from age and the elements. The last time the lights were serviced was about eight years ago.

The replacement bulbs will be a combination of metal halide florescent and high pressure sodium which will shine much brighter. Gadd said.

“You’re definitely going to see a big difference once the project is completed. After several months in the dark, ‘Billy’ will soon be seen for miles around,” Gadd said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lauren.pack@coxinc.com.