Intervention for the House of Davisson

The House of Davisson, founded by Harold Davisson, is a fixture in Seward, Nebraska's history. When you turn in the driveway, the first thing to see is a giant white pyramid: the cap to the largest time capsule in the world which you can read about here. Past the time capsule is a corrugated steel building which once housed an eclectic assortment of furniture, appliances, baby chicks, wholesale candy, and whatever Harold Davisson could buy in bulk, including boxes of corn flakes past their expiration date.

Near the main door, a six foot cement cigar store Indian stands guard. In this time of political correctness, when such a statue could be deemed racially prejudiced, I have created an explanatory plaque to be placed near the statue which explores the history of cigar store Indians and offers an explanation of its presence. Following is the text of this plaque.

Though at first glance this statue could be considered offensive or insensitive, the cigar store Indian has had a long history intertwined with the foundation of our country. First used in England in 1617, the cigar store Indian was one of many carved symbols placed outside shops to give customers a quick read of the contents within. The Indian, in particular, came to represent tobacconists, as they were the first to introduce the plant to Europeans.

In America, cigar store Indians came to represent general stores as well as places to purchase tobacco to many pioneers venturing west. Use of such sculptures declined in the late 19th century due to municipal ordinances banning the blockage of sidewalks.

Though comparable in the minds of some to other racial stereotypes such as the lawn jockey, there are some who choose to see cigar store Indians as examples of historical commercial practices and period sculpture. Its placement by Harold Davisson represents his desire to collect bits of the past, warts and all, for future generations.

This information has been provided by your friends at N.I.S.U.S. Network for Operation: Hometown Heroes