My family and I decided to immerse ourselves in a movie marathon a couple of weeks ago in which we certainly fed our craving for cinematic diversity. One such morsel was a film, starring two veteran actors, entitled “Walk in the Woods” based on a book written by Bill Bryson. The film centers on the “hiking” of two old friends as they attempt to do so across the length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Apart from the evident humor, there was breathtaking scenery. I found it fascinating to learn of the majesty, which is the Appalachian Trail, through the pen of Bill Bryson.

I recently found another quote by Mr. Bryson that I think important as we consider the “areas” in which we live. “If you drive to, say, Shenandoah National Park, or the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll get some appreciation for the scale and beauty of the outdoors. When you walk into it, then you see it in a completely different way. You discover it in a much slower, more majestic sort of way.”

For this month, let’s take a slow stroll through that which makes Peoria Heights and Richwoods Township. Our first stop will be the Peoria Heights Village Hall.

Over the two years I have worked for Richwoods Township, there have been many folks who have asked me what the two statues are on the south entrance of Village Hall. Of course, I do not have a degree in “Heights History,” so I gave the only acceptance response, “That’s a great question. I really don’t know.”

But, as we continue our stroll, I can tell you that I have now learned the story behind those two statues and the man behind the story: Bill Rutherford. It was Mr. Rutherford, whose signature can be seen in so much of the architecture and “symbols” in Peoria Heights, who donated the two statuaries that grace Village Hall.

As we walk toward the south entrance of Village Hall, on the right side of the entrance, there is a “duck-billed creature having difficulty pulling his hands part due to a sticky substance in between,” (Ben Lambert, Times Observer, June 16, 2004). The name of this commentary on politics and politicians is “Gumuppence.” From what I have found, the meaning of Gumuppence is “sticky hands can lead to trouble.” I am glad I did not attempt to interpret its deeper meaning, for I would have failed miserably.

Gumuppence, though, has a viewing mate. It is another statue of a pig, dressed in overalls and bare feet. Accentuating this statue is a large tear running down its cheek. Its name is the “Denizen of the Great Society,” with its interpretation being, “Lack of relief money makes one cry.”

Come and take a slow stroll through Peoria Heights and Richwoods Township. What treasures will you find?