Elks Lodge 2306 of Jefferson recently provided $1,000 for the pedestal on which the replica moldboard plow sits in the Thomas Jefferson Gardens. The funds came from the Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant program, which is available to lodges that meet per capita goals of financial support for the foundation.
Pictured are (from left) Elks exalted ruler Hollie Roberts, past exalted ruler and grant writer Jerry Roberts, and Don Orris of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens board.
The local Elks used a Gratitude Grant last year to provide the plow, an exact replica crafted by Robby Pedersen of RVP~1875 of the plow designed by Thomas Jefferson for use at Monticello. The plow was displayed at the Lincoln Building during the winter until the 3 foot by 5 foot pedestal was constructed. Signage on the pedestal acknowledges the Elks’ contributions for the plow and the pedestal.
A soft opening of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens was held during the Bell Tower Festival. A formal opening will be slated when the visitor center is complete, possibly yet this summer.
