New Bedford Marks 100th Anniversary of “Whaleman”

Descendants of Congressman William Crapo and sculptor Bela Pratt represented their ancestors well as the 100th anniversary of the iconic "Whaleman Statue" was observed.

On June 20, 1913, the statue was unveiled to the public for the first time, after being commissioned by Crapo for $25,000.

Speaking at the centennial celebration Thursday, Sarah Crapo Bullard, Crapo's great-great-granddaughter, says artist Bela Pratt was hesitant to create the statue until William Wallace Crapo put Pratt on the spot during a meeting.

Pratt's family delivered a detailed presentation about his works and the "Whaleman Statue".

Several citations were presented to the family members on behalf of local and state officials as part of the ceremony.