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Fun Facts About Our Timeless Cats
* Sculptor Edward Clark Potter obtained the commission for the lions, but the Piccirilli Brothers executed the carving -- for $5,000.
* When they were first unveiled, some folks didn't like them, including former President Teddy Roosevelt, who thought the Library should have bison (as they are North American animals).
* In a similar vein, a small group of people thought beavers should flank the Library in honor of Library co-founder John Astor, whose family had made a fortune in beaver pelts.
* The lions were placed on their pedestals on May 11, 1911, just days before the 42nd Street Library official opened.
* These big cats are larger than life, stretching more than 11 feet (not counting the tail), about 3 feet longer than their real-life counterparts.
* At first, the lions were called many names, including Leo Astor and Leo Lenox (for the Library's co-founders), as well as "Lady" Astor and Lord Lenox (even though they're both male lions).
* During the Great Depression, New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia dubbed them "Patience" and "Fortitude," qualitied he felt New Yorkers needed to get by. |