Aguilar's Huge Statues
In 1959 these giant figures were the town's contribution to Colorado's "Centennial Rush to the Rockies" event. The figures represented a Spanish Missionary, a gold prospector, a coal miner and an original inhabitant to the area, the American Indian with lance and shield, Figures representing & depicting those who influenced the history and development of the area. The statue project was originated by Harold Odorizzi, school Principal and art teacher at that time. The Boosters Club of Aguilar helped make this project possible.
(Picture by Tru-Life Photographs)
Students and volunteers from the community helped to make the 10 to 12 foot statues. They were constructed in the Aguilar High School workshop. Students from the Newman Club especially helped with the Missionary. Money for the project came from the various organizations of the Town of Aguilar. With the completion and the dedication on July 4, 1959, Aguilar won the distinction of offering what Centennial officials termed one of the outstanding Centennial projects that year.
The figures were located next to the St. Anthony's Catholic Church on US Highway 85-87 at the time. Many locals and tourists stopped by to have their pictures taken.
At some point, the decision to move the statues to the local Town Park on West Main St., was the reason for the demise of these historical figures.