Morikami Donor Wall Commemoration
This article is in response to the many kind people who contributed to create a memorial for Jim Moody after he passed away in 2004.
2004!?! Yes, 2004, was when the idea of an entrance wall to the Morikami bonsai exhibit was conceived.
The first two photos are of our old friend Harry Hedrick at the National Arboretum, See Florida Bonsai, Aug. 2004 for the lead article. It seemed appropriate that an exhibit of this caliber, deserved a worthy entrance monument also. We selected a regional name, "The Gulfstream Collection", for our exhibit. After 5 years of "negotiating" with the Palm Beach County, administrators elected to build it for many thousand dollars instead of letting us do it for free with volunteers.
It took 5 years, but here it is, shown in the accompanying photos in all its glory - a fine looking wall at that.
While we were putting the concept together, it was suggested to use three bonsai stands instead of one. The significance of three bonsai stands reminded us that there were essentially three very prominent people who gave of their time, energy and assets back in 1978 to make the exhibit a reality; Chuck Eschenburg, Norm Nelson and Jim Moody. (We cannot begin to name the numerous folks who also participated.) In 2004 when so many people wanted to do something in recognition of Jim, we took donations for the construction of this wall and collected over $1,000 within the week.
Donors' List:
- Jerry Saslow
- Bill Smedley
- Marc Meyer
- Bob Harshman
- Jim Smith
- Atchison Exotics
- Sho Fu Bonsai Society
- Jupiter Bonsai
- Glenn Mesteller
- Larry Duke
- Cheryl Sellers
- George Sentelik
- Chuck Eschenburg
As of April 17, 2009, the wall has been completed except for the text that will inform visitors about the exhibit. In addition to bonsai information on the wall, each pedestal will have a plaque, (see samples below), to commemorate one of the three founders.
* Jim Moody A highly regarded bonsai expert, who used the resources of his construction company as well as his personal skills to develop the original exhibit. At his death in 2004 may bonsai club members contributed to this memorial commemorating his efforts and personal inspiration.
** Norman & Dan Nelson Father & son; first curators of the bonsai at The Morikami, they were two of several who gave bonsai of their own collections to establish the museum's original exhibit. They led the development of the bonsai collection from 1977 to their death around 1996, and are fondly remembered by all whom they taught and inspired.
*** Charles Eschenburg, MD Despite a busy medical practice, he spent many hours and personal resources contributing to the development of The Morikami Museum and the original bonsai display. The name plaques have been confirmed. However, the wall text remains unresolved at this time. A dry stone front "basin" was elected due to the environment and maintenance problems water would have created. We encourage all to come and view it. Like they say, thanks for your patience.