Photo credit: Carla Bankes
The Capitol Avenue Bronze Project has been placing bronze statues in downtown Cheyenne. These pay tribute to the pioneering spirit of the people of Cheyenne and Wyoming. The project will place bronze statues on every corner of Capitol Avenue from the remodeled Union Pacific Train Depot on Lincolnway up to the Capitol building.
Earlier this year, a statue was installed that honored the late Carol McMurry, a long-time member of and generous supporter of the Wyoming library community.
The statue “My Friend Flicka author; Mary O’Hara” by artist Joel Turner was placed on the southeast corner of Capitol Avenue and 20th Street in memory of Carol. This piece of public art was donated by Paul and Carla Bankes, Matt and Stephanie Seebaum, and Pat Spieles.
Carol McMurry graduated from Natrona County High School in 1962, attended Casper College, and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1966. She worked as a librarian for most of her career.
In 2000, Carol and her two sisters donated $5 million to the Wyoming Community Foundation, $1 million of which was dedicated to libraries through the Carol McMurry Library Endowment. The Library Endowment supports both library projects and continuing education. Over the years, numerous projects have been accomplished with this funding and many library workers have furthered their education and training, due to her generosity.