A Real Proposition
As The Tiger reported in 1936, Davidson had started constructing the monument. Most likely realizing that all his hard work might have been for nothing, Davidson replied to Littlejohn with some inspiring news: Davidson stated that he would complete the statue, in “everlasting” stone, for $500. This, of course, was the death knell for the cannons, Tom and Jerry; as historian Jerome Reel points out, the cannons would not resurface again until 1951 (Reel, The High Seminary).
"Let the arguments begin"
Although we do not have Littlejohn’s reply, the college must have accepted Davidson's gracious offer, as this letter from a faculty member reveals.
"People get ready, a statue is coming"
Judging by the headline of the The Tiger on October 3, 1940, the university was proud to accept Davidson’s offer. However, as we will see later, the university had yet to acquire the $500 for the statue.
"Dedication set for Nov. 29"
The Tiger reported on October 3, 1940, that many student organizations were donating money for the payment of the statue. Although not stated, the Blue Key Honor Society was one of the leading student organizations that fundraised to complete the statue.
"Ceremony under way"
A month after the previous publication, The Tiger reported a ceremony for the unveiling of the Thomas Clemson statue. This statue is very “similar to the famous Lincoln Memorial,” which would be under way on November 29, 1940. Yet, after the untimely death of President Enoch W. Sikes later that year, the ceremony for the statue fell apart. There is not any evidence that shows that Sikes's death caused any delays in the project. However, as we will see, there are signs that Sikes might have been the administrator holding the project together: after his death, the college seems to be is a state of disarray as it concerns the statue.
