The 1947 Coeur d'Alene High School Class donated a beautiful stone park bench to the city for Phippeny Park around 1999. A few years later the back for the bench was removed and broken in two. At the time the destruction was attributed to malicious vandalism.

Around 2009 the bench was repaired. Recently the bench was destroyed beyond repair. The back was broken into three pieces and one of the uprights was broken off just below the seat level.

It seems inconceivable that both of these destructive efforts could have been done as a matter of vandalism but that is what some claim. The bench is made of heavy granite. The back and seat are 2 inches thick and the upright post is 3 inches thick. That is a lot of weight to maneuver and it would take a lot of effort to break a stone plate that thick.

However, if anyone observed the damage being done to the park bench, the '47 CHS Class would really appreciate hearing from you. The class has more than $1,000 invested in the bench and we do not have money to replace it. We would like to see our tribute to G.O. Phippeny preserved. Mr. Phippeny was the Superintendent of Schools when we were high school students and someone we would like to recognize.

If you have information, please call me at (208) 765-7639 or drop me a note at 5548 N. Pacific Ave., Coeur d'Alene, 83815 or email me at cecilwh@gmail.com.

CECIL HATHAWAY

Coeur d'Alene