The city of Aberdeen power-washed an art project on Simpson Avenue that was constructed to honor the legacy of the Weatherwax family.

The art project is called “Breaker.” It’s existed since 2013 on the bend on the side of the road just past Preszler, Larner, Mertz, & Co., LLP.

“(It’s) to inspire both local residents and those who pass through Grays Harbor toward generosity and commitment to community,” according to a city statement. “The artwork is intended to support both motorist drive-by and up-close pedestrian viewing experiences, and is comprised of architectural sandstone blocks from the old J.M. Weatherwax High School as a re-use material, along with landscaping and lighting.”

The old high school, a historic building that was built in 1909, burned down in 2002. The Weatherwax family is an important family in Aberdeen. The newer Aberdeen High School, which opened in 2007, is named J.M. Weatherwax High School.

“(They) long contributed to the Grays Harbor community as philanthropists and civic leaders epitomizing humility, hard work and generosity,” the city stated. “The loss of the building generated community interest in creating a new physical acknowledgment to the Weatherwax family.”

What is the ‘Breaker’ project?

“Architectural sandstone blocks previously installed on the high school building’s facade were salvaged for re-use in the effort to recognize anew these ordinary people who did extraordinary things, and to inspire others to do the same,” states the city. “A reminder of the Weatherwax legacy, the stones also serve as a symbol of strength and survival, rising from the ashes and resilience: qualities that Aberdeen residents see within themselves. Some of the stones are permanently displayed in the new high school building, which opened in 2007, while others were artistically re-used with interpretation in this public artwork opportunity.”

“Breaker” was a project done by Adam Kuby. The project was funded by the Grays Harbor Community Foundation and the city of Aberdeen.

“These sandstone blocks, hewn from a quarry in the Cascades, were hand-carved and incorporated into Aberdeen’s historic 1909 Weatherwax High School,” the nameplate states. “When the school burned down in 2002, the stones were wisely pulled from the ashes, but without knowing how they might be reused. Now re-imagined into a work of art, these same stones continue to honor the Weatherwax family for their original and ongoing contribution to the Aberdeen community.”

Words from the mayor

Aberdeen Mayor Doug Orr sent notice about the power-washing. He wanted people to know about it. “Breaker” impressed him years ago.

“When we moved back, I was so amazed that they had what I thought was real art, that (Breaker) was one of them,” Orr said. “I was amazed because I didn’t think Aberdeen would do that. I didn’t think anybody in Aberdeen would step up for art in that way. I was really impressed.”

Orr, an artist himself who owns the Aberdeen Art Center, noticed “Breaker” had “fallen into a little disrepair,” including the lights around it that are no longer and “can’t be replaced.” But, the power-washing to the site that Craig Yakovich, Parks and Recreation’s recreation supervisor, did to it delighted Orr.

“When it was being cleaned the other day, I was just amazed at the color of it and the pink (there),” Orr said. “You couldn’t see the pink on the sandstone.”

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.

Matthew N. Wells / The Daily World This plaque on the “Breaker” structure describes how it was made in 2013 and why it was made.

Matthew N. Wells / The Daily World A plaque showing the old Weatherwax High School, the school burned down in 2002, is affixed to the “Breaker” structure that lies along the Simpson Avenue bend.