Repository: UIHistories Project: Dedication - Law [PAGE 18]

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Ncwtv restored and mounted on the cast wall of the Peer and Sarah I'cdrrscn Pavilion, this bas relict commemorates the Lincoln-Douglas debate held on October 13* 1858. in Quincy, Illinois. Appropriately, the debate centered on such legal issues as the expansion of slavery to U.S. territories and judge Douglass constitutional theory of "popular sovereignty." On November 2 Douglas won his reelection bid to the Senate, defeating Lincoln, who was elected president two years later. Sculptor and University alumnus Lorado Taft prepared this plaster relict, along with a bronze version that is located in Quincy. The University acquired the sculpture as part of Iaft*s estate in 1936. Displayed lor many years in Lincoln Hall, the relief suficred from poor placement and minor vandalism. Recently Robert Youngman, a professor of art and design at the University* supervised the sculpture's removal to the Horticulture Field Laboratory. There, over the course of one summer, Youngman repaired missing fingers and noses, filled cracks, removed graffiti, and constructed a new mahogany cane based on the Quincy bron/.c. When the work was completed, Professor Youngman suggested that the sculpture be permanently located in an appropriately prominent and spacious location: the Peer and Sarah Pedersen Pavilion at the College of Law.

JAMES G. THOMAS •

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE SCULPTURE

James G. "GLid" Thomas was senior partner in the law firm of Thomas* Mamer ey Haughty in Champaign. He received his undergraduate degreefrom the University in 1923 and hisf.D. front the College of Law in 1928. During those years he also served as the University's assistant dean of men. He served as an associate professor full-time in 1947-48 and part-time until 1965. Mr. Thomass many contributions to the University included service as vice-president and president of the UI Foundation and as president of the Law Alumni Association. In 1975 he received the Universitys first Presidents Award for Leadership and Service. He was awarded the Loyalty Award in 1971 and u w recognized as the Colleges Alumnus of the Month in 1973* Mr. Thomas served as president of the Illinois State Bar Association in 1956 and 1957. He died in 1990 and is survived by his wife, Helen Herrick Thomas, a 1925 graduate of the University Their son, l.ott //., obtained his J. D. from the College in 1962; his wife, SuAnn. earned two degreesfromthe College of Education: and their three daughters, Kristin, Melissa, and Cynthia are Illinois graduates. In May 1994, Melissa became the third generation of Thomases to receive a law degree from Illinois.