Calling all Irish and Friends:

The Potato Man Sculpture

Please join us in honoring our Irish forefathers and mothers who experienced extremely difficult times in surviving the potato famine, traveling on the famine ships, and living in severe poverty and horrible working conditions after arriving in the United States. 

They made this monumental sacrifice to provide a better life for their children, grandchildren, and you and me.

“The Potato Man” a life-size sculpture from SculptureWalk represents every one of our Irish families.  We want to purchase the sculpture and place in his-own landscaped potato field (in the shape of Ireland) in the SW corner of McKennan Park.  The sculpture will be illuminated at night.  The campaign will raise $33,000 to cover the cost of the sculpture ($24,000), the inscribed pavers, landscaping, and for future maintenance costs. 

This wonderful sculpture will stand in the park for many years to come for you, for your family, and future descendents to visit and admire.   

If you are interested in participating we’re asking each family for a contribution of $250.00.   The family will get a 6”x  9”quartzite paver inscribed with the family’s surname and names of each family member.  All of the pavers will be placed together as the landscape outline of Ireland.   A couple of ideas – purchase a paver to honor parents and siblings, other ancestors, or as a gift for someone in your extended family and present as a special gift.  

Please join us in this great endeavor by making your contribution check payable to The Potato Man Fund, PO Box 1165, Sioux Falls, SD  57101.

Please include the names you wish inscribed on the your paver and your phone number and E-mail address –

We’ll keep you current on our fund-raising progress and the schedule for placement of the sculpture in the park. 

We’ll need participation by 132 families so please spread the word. 

May the luck of the Irish be with you and your family! 

Sincerely,

Dick Murphy                          &     Jim Clark
Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Gifts              Sculpture Walk 

339-8359         or          Ivy at 376-0704