Alden Partridge statue re-dedicated

A re-dedication ceremony of the Captain Alden Partridge statue was held in recognition of the sculptor Bruno Sarzanini (1912-1976), on Columbus Day, Oct. 12.

The statue was originally dedicated to the university at the commencement of 1955 ceremony. It was carved in the Northfield plant of the Rock of Ages Corporation by Italian-born sculptor Bruno Sarzanini. The statue weighs over 9 tons and is slightly over 16 feet in height.

The Barre Granite Manufactures Association donated the statue, according to the 1955 edition of the Norwich University Record.

"Bruno Sarzanini's beautiful statue, first dedicated 54 years ago, continues to strengthen the link between Captain Partridge and the Norwich students of today," NU President Richard Schneider said in remarks at the ceremony.

In the past there were no placards identifying who crafted the statue.

"President Schneider wanted me to look into plaques being made for the Alden Partridge statue as well as all the other statues on campus," said Marilyn C. Solvay, PhD, director of the Sullivan Museum and History Center.

Schneider wanted the Alden Partridge statue to have a plaque identifying who made it and who the donor was.

"President Schneider was concerned about putting plaques on the sculptures around campus because the campus itself and even the history of the buildings tell wonderful stories, and if there is no guide to tell them, people will never know what the story is," said Solvay.

Steps were taken towards a re-dedication ceremony which would include the unveiling of a plaque.

"On his last visit to Italy President Schneider was able to meet with Bruno Sarzannini's son, Col. Andrea A. Sarzanini, USA (Ret.), who also echoed the opinion that his father should be remembered," said Solvay.

Present at the ceremony to receive the honor were Bruno Sarzanini's children, Mary Anne Cassani and Andrea and Giorgio Sarzanini.

Ret. Col Andrea Sarzanini spoke on behalf of the family at the ceremony, thanking Norwich for having the event and being able to share the dedication with the Norwich community.

"It brings a sort of closure, as we were present for the unveiling of the monument in 1955, along with General Harmon, a living member of the Alden Partridge family," said Andrea Sarzanini.

He also spoke of some history regarding his talented father.

"Bruno was a simple but talented man, who dedicated his life to art and sculpture, who earned the Silver Medal for excellence in craftsmanship from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Italy," said Andrea Sarzanini.

In addition to the Partridge statue, Bruno Sarzanini created many other works and monuments scattered throughout the United States and Canada in public buildings, churches and cemeteries.

"The most striking example of his work is certainly this monument to Captain Alden Partridge, which was crafted right here in Northfield, back when the Rock of Ages plant had not yet been moved to Graniteville," said Andrea Sarzanini.

In addition to the Partridge statue, plans are in progress to have plaques placed on the Harmon statue, as well as the John Kennedy Hockey player statue, which will give credit to the maker and the donor.