For generations, Warrior Osceola has stood watch over the west side of Osceola, welcoming residents home and greeting visitors and travelers along Highway 34. Now, a group of local organizations is coming together to ensure the iconic landmark continues to do so for generations to come.
Historical restoration inspections done in 2021 revealed the deteriorating conditions of Warrior Osceola.
The Clarke Area Arts Council, with support from American State Bank, the Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS) and the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), is moving forward with plans to create a new, more permanent version of Warrior Osceola, one that will look and feel like the community icon residents have known for decades, but will be built to withstand the Iowa weather for decades to come.
The current wooden statue, located on the American State Bank property, has endured decades of weather and environmental exposure and is now in serious disrepair. In 2021, the Clarke Area Arts Council undertook research into the statue’s condition and the options for its future. The conclusion was difficult: restoring the existing wooden structure was estimated to cost more than $40,000, with ongoing maintenance expected to run between $7,000 and $10,000 annually.
Even with that investment, the fundamental challenges associated with an aging wooden structure would remain.
Rather than putting significant resources into repairing an already deteriorating structure, local advocates began looking for a solution that would preserve the landmark while creating a more sustainable future.
The aging Warrior Osceola will be replicated in sustainable metals to prolong the icon’s welcoming presence in on Highway 34 (AI Mockup).
The idea of fabricating Warrior Osceola in metal was raised by CCDC Board of Directors Kevin Emanuel and quickly gained momentum as a potential long-term solution.
A metal Warrior Osceola would retain the appearance, character and scale of the existing statue while eliminating the ongoing maintenance requirements associated with the current wooden structure. Over time, the metal will naturally develop a patina, creating deep brown and rust tones that will add character to the sculpture while providing exceptional resistance to the elements.
The new proposed sculpture will be the same size and dimensions as the existing Warrior Osceola and will be carefully replicated to maintain the familiar appearance that has become part of Osceola’s identity. Tanner King of Martin’s Welding will use 3-D measurements of the existing statue to help ensure the new sculpture faithfully represents the original.
The estimated cost of fabricating the new Warrior Osceola is between $40,000 and $60,000. Support from American State Bank and CCDC has already put the project within reach, but additional community fundraising will be needed to close the remaining funding gap.
For the Clarke Area Arts Council, CCDC, OCMS and American State Bank, the Warrior Osceola project represents more than the preservation of a statue.
It is an investment in the future of Osceola and in the pride residents have in the community they call home.
“Warrior Osceola has been part of the landscape of this community for generations,” said Emanuel. “We want to make sure it remains part of that landscape for generations to come. This gives us an opportunity to preserve what people love about Warrior Osceola while creating something that can stand strong for decades.”
A community fundraising campaign will launch Monday, November 16th and continue through the end of the year with opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and organizations to contribute to the project. Sponsorship and recognition opportunities will also be available for those interested in helping make the new landmark possible.
Additional information about sponsorship opportunities and how to contribute will be available at https://clarkecountylife.com/caac-warrior-osceola-project.
“Warrior Osceola has welcomed people to Osceola for generations,” said Andrew Clark, CCDC Executive Director. “Now, the community has an opportunity to help ensure it keeps welcoming them for generations to come.”
Those interested in learning more about the project or becoming a sponsor may contact Kate Emanuel, President of the Clarke Area Arts Council at k8emanuel@gmail.com. Questions about the project may also be directed to Andrew Clark, Executive Director at the Clarke County Development Corporation at 115 E Washington Street, Osceola, IA 50213, 641-342-2944 or email info@clarkecountyiowa.com.
