The sculptures before you represent the continuing legacy of Peter Hewitt and Walter McAnney, Jr., who became full-time residents of the community in 1996 when they purchased the home at 1 Princeton Avenue, commonly known as "the point." Restoration of the property made it one of the most attractive and welcoming gathering places in the area.
Rather than clearing the trees from the property, Hewitt and McAnney employed internationally acclaimed chainsaw artist Dennis Beach, Jr. to carve two of them.
The choice of images symbolized the professional lives from which the couple retired.
Hewitt had represented National Publishing Company, a Philadelphia-based firm that specialized in publishing Scripture — hence the angel. McAnney had been an organist who performed at many area churches as well as in Philadelphia, and was a long-time member of the American Guild of Organists — hence the organ.
In their home, they installed a four-manual Allen pipe organ and recruited accomplished organists trained at schools such as Juilliard, Eastman, Curtis, and the Appalachian School of Music to perform concerts each July as part of the Chautauqua Summer Programs. They gave special preference to young organists showing exceptional potential and promise. As many as 70 people would gather for these concerts, and members of the community provided light refreshments during a social hour, making it a beloved annual event.
Hewitt and McAnney passed away in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Peter's daughters, Anne and Gillian, donated the sculptures to the Pennsylvania Chautauqua as a way to preserve the artistic legacy of their father and Walter. Funds were contributed by individuals and the Gretna Spirit Firewood to restore and relocate the carvings to the Chautauqua grounds.
The Mt. Gretna Borough maintenance crew removed, transported, and stored the sculptures while awaiting their new home. Peter Joseph Ecenroad of Peter Joseph Designs restored both pieces, which had suffered years of deterioration.
The pipe organ was donated and has since been installed in the United Methodist Church in the Campmeeting area of Mt. Gretna. The summer organ concerts continue under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua.
Design & Installation
Miles T. Weaber and Chrisland Engineering designed the mounting brackets and placement pads. Kresge Excavating installed the carvings with the support of Bill Care, public works director, and the Mt. Gretna maintenance crew.
The Spark
Resident George Kinney was instrumental in getting this project off the ground. He introduced the carvings to the community, initiated the donation opportunity, and provided the history for this page.
Completion
Both current and former Grounds and Trees Committee members through the Chautauqua Board of Managers carried this project to completion. Many thanks to all who supported this effort with time, talent, and funds.
