For almost twenty years when I drive by Flocktown Road and Schooley’s Mountain intersection, I always glance over to see “Bert,” our Liberty Eagle. I’m still disappointed the sculpture is no longer there. Bert the Eagle stood since 1999, and of course the Liberty Tree stood for two centuries before Bert was carved.
Bert the Eagle was a landmark in town, a unique “attraction” on historic Schooley’s Mountain. What concerns me about his demise is that it didn’t have to happen! From what I hear, Harry Robinson the sculptor who created Bert, from the Liberty Tree, strongly recommended annual treatment to prevent rot. After a few years, however, this treatment simply stopped, and ultimately the statue rotted.
Bert, our Liberty Eagle, would probably still be keeping watch on the mountain, if it was maintained properly. The Washington Township Committee should take more responsibility for maintaining the heritage and culture of our town. It seems to me, that Bert is an example of the Township Committee’s lack of initiative, planning and maintenance. It’s time that our local government stops “kicking the can down the road,” and continually address and implement long term plans regarding numerous issues in town that require regular, preventative maintenance.
