Monument to The Paper Boy
Modesto, California
A bronze statue of a boy and a dog is set into a sidewalk corner alongside a small public park. "The Paper Boy" depicts a familiar scene for most of the 20th century, when children on foot or bicycle were the final step in newspaper distribution for towns and cities across America. It was often the first paying job for a suburban kid (and a first taste of what kind of customer never tips).
This boy carries a satchel marked "The Bee," for The Modesto Bee, the local paper. He's heroically poised to fling the morning edition at the nearest subscriber's porch, while his adorable dog leaps skyward in anticipation. If the Paper Boy is lucky, his paper won't get caught in a tree or hit a homeless park dweller. It's probably no coincidence that the park is McClatchy Square, the name of the family and company that owns various "Bee" newspapers.
The sculpture was created as a commission for The Bee by artist Betty Saletta. The plaque reads: "For much of our community's history, the young person who delivered The Modesto Bee to our homes has been an enduring symbol of initiative and pluck. The Paper Boy celebrates the timeless treasure of hope bestowed upon each generation by its youth. May our community always nurture the priceless gift of our children."