(PENSACOLA, FL.) --- Though the Parks and Recreation meeting this afternoon lacked a quorum to take action, the late Alexander Stoddart still made an appearance.
Yes, the 11-member board did not have enough members present to approve the Pensacola Heritage Foundation's proposed monument, which they would like to place in Bayview Park, the very property that Stoddart bought and gave to the city.
While I was present for the meeting this morning, OpGov.ai reports its own point of view, noting, "the presentation by the Pensacola Heritage Foundation for the Stoddart statue, while highlighting his contributions, prompted critical discussion from board members about the city's approach to historical monuments, raising concerns about ensuring diverse and inclusive historical representation and avoiding a 'pool of monuments' that might not reflect all perspectives."
Foundation Historian Norm Haines stated that officials understood exactly how important the Pensacola land developer and philanthropist was to the community.
Historian Norm Haines makes a presentation to the Pensacola Parks and Recreation Board members
And not just Stoddart, but his dog.
The miniature monument tells the true heart of Stoddart. But before telling the tale, Haines introduced Randy New, Pensacola's own personal sculptor.
"He has done the Bubba Watson in front of Sacred Heart, the Nancy Day, Spencer holding the surfboard on the beach, and the little girl with the soldier's helmet at the Veterans park," Haines said, adding, "He also did the eagle for the 911 display."
Haines also introduced Jim Green, a longstanding member and board member of the Pensacola Heritage Foundation, which has fully funded the proposed $100K scultpure.
As for the story, here it goes, as short and sweet as possible. Haines said a revived monument series will include the lesser-known locals who deserve recognition.
"Stoddart was born in 1836 in Leith, Scotland, and at age six, his family, like many Irish and Scottish, migrated to the United States," Haines began, noting Stoddard grew up in Kentucky and Cincinnati before moving here as an insurance salesman.
Haines explained that "fire was the major insurance problem, all over the country, and after the war, it was known the South would need to be rebuilt."
Insurance companies would not underwrite, but more than 50%, Haines explained, until Stoddart "put together what he called the New York underwriting insurance company, and it was his idea to bring multiple insurance companies together to share liability and risk."
Though Haines had many offices, Stoddart "discovered Pensacola and fell in love with it. In 1870," then realizing "he wanted to spend more time here."
Stoddart purchased much property that is now East Hill.
Miniature monument statue of Alexander Stoddart that may be placed in Bayview Park
Stoddart later bought Bayview Park, donated it to the city, and built roads to get to it.
"Stoddart was a horticulturist and agriculturist," Haines said with excitement, adding he introduced azaleas to Pensacola. "He's the one who planted oysters on Bayou."
"I don't have time to tell you everything he did", Haines added, before getting to the dog.
"One thing about Stoddart, he was a very small man, weighing just over 100 pounds," Haines said, noting that Stoddart loved animals, specifically his Saint Bernard. "And everyone joked when they saw this tiny man walking this giant dog."
It is most appropriate that the insurance titan, who helped develop Pensacola, be remembered walking his dog in Bayview Park. Haines ended by noting that Stoddart himself would tell people, "I have a dog at home that weighs more than I do."
But before approving the proposed monument, Board member Kirwan Price wanted to ensure that Stoddart had been vetted.
Board member Kiwan Price assures the proposed monument is not offensive, only reflecting Pensacola's best
"I just want to make sure that we're not wading into this, pool of monuments that, paint a picture of a city that's different than other people might have seen it or might see it in the future," Kirwan said, adding, "It's a guy who did a lot to develop still, so, no skeletons in the closet."
According to Haines, there are no skeletons in Stoddart's closet, free of any slavery charges or other unethical behavior. Chairperson Renee Borden agreed with Price, noting caution is important. Not only did Haines assure Borden, but he also let officials know that the next monument considerations include one of the most important.
Chairwoman Renee Borden at Thursday's meeting
"When John Sunday died, he was the wealthiest black man in the South, possibly the United States," Haines said, adding that another monument will honor a female pharmacist.
While OpGov.ai reports that the meeting "was critically undermined by a lack of quorum, which prevented any voting on crucial 'city council action items.'
"This procedural failure meant that important agenda items, such as the proposed Alexander Stoddart statue, could only be presented, not acted upon," the platform reports.
Haines will return for a full member vote at the next meeting.
Haines ended the presentation, noting he was off to lecture, one of his jobs as the foundation historian. OpGov.ai placed Haines schedule below for any residents who would like to know more about the local land.
Pensacla Heritage Foundation Historian Norm Haines lecture series schedule
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