Statues are just one way through which the Central Park Conservancy accomplishes its mission of keeping Central Park beautiful. The total number of sculptures in the care of the Central Park Conservancy is said to be over 50. The statues depict an array of characters including authors, poets, military heroes, and American historical figures. There are also a few statues of wonderful animals, most notably the statue of Balto.
Balto was a black and white Siberian husky sled dog who led his team on the final leg of the 1925 run to Nome, Alaska to deliver a diphtheria antitoxin serum to combat an outbreak of diphtheria. The serum was first transported by train from Anchorage, Alaska to Nenana, Alaska and then was scheduled to continue to Nome via aircraft. However, the engine of the only aircraft that could quickly deliver the medicine was frozen and would not start. Officials in charge of the delivery effort decided the best alternative was to transport the medicine via multiple dog sled teams.
News coverage of the serum delivery was worldwide. Facing a blizzard with -23° F temperatures and strong winds, more than 20 mushers were part of a relay that covered over 600 miles of terrain. Balto proved himself to be a hero as his team completed its leg in near-whiteout conditions and almost entirely in the dark. The final team was asleep as Balto’s team made it to the final stop so they decided to continue on to Nome with the serum.
The statue of Balto, sculpted by Frederick Roth, was erected in Central Park on December 17, 1925, just 10 months after Balto’s arrival in Nome. Balto himself was present for the unveiling. The statue can be found on the main path leading north from the Tisch Children’s Zoo.
Anna Kahn, a lifelong West Sider, grew up admiring the Balto statue during her many visits to Central Park. Anna raised her children on the West Side, which afforded her the opportunity to share her memories of admiring the Balto statue with her own children. Professionally, Anna is a real estate broker at Halstead Property with nearly 20 years of experience. She would be happy to answer any of your real estate questions as both an accomplished broker and lifelong West Sider. To get in touch, call 917-716-1046 or email akahn@halstead.com.
