Congratulations to Erich Ryan for being the first student to tweet a selfie from the January 12th #FindMeFriday location!
There are few Boston landmarks as popular as Make Way for Ducklings. These famous ducks have been hugged and loved by children, young and old, since its installation on October 4, 1987. As the plaque reads, “This sculpture has been placed here as a tribute to Robert McCloskey whose story Make Way for Ducklings has made the Boston Pubic Common familiar to children all around the world.”
Sculptor Nancy Schön was approached in 1985 by an urban designer to see if she was interested in creating a tribute to McCloskey’s children’s book, which was published in 1941. Two years and many approvals later, this sweet, gentle, and joyful sculpture was unveiled. It is made of bronze and sits on a landing of Old Boston cobblestones. Mrs. Mallard, the mamma duck, stands 38″ high and her ducklings vary in height and length, depending on what position they are in. The piece spans an impressive 35 feet in length.
There are two things that bring me so much joy about this Boston landmark:
- I have not been able to confirm this rumor, but I’ve heard that Mrs. Mallard and her 8 ducklings have never required professional polishing, as the clothing of their admirers, who sit on them and hug them so often, keep them shining like new.
- Even though they are perfect in their original form, their adorableness factor goes up when they are donned with seasonal gear. Seriously, can you even stand the cuteness?!
If you haven’t already read Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings, I encourage you to pick up a copy and read about their adventures around Boston. And, then, do like Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings of eight did, go see your City, my friends!