This past weekend, a six-foot wax monument of Abraham Lincoln became the surprise victim of a blistering heatwave in Washington, D.C. The replica of the famous Lincoln Memorial, which stood outside an elementary school, started to melt due to the high heat.
From Head to Toe: The Heat’s Toll
By Monday, the once-proud statue had suffered significant damage. Reports indicate the head completely melted away, the legs separated from the torso, and the right foot deformed. Washington D.C. soared to a scorching 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday, exceeding the tolerance of the wax material.
Art with a Purpose Meets Unforeseen Circumstances
The artist Sandy Williams IV was the inspiration behind the one-of-a-kind statue, which was commissioned by the nonprofit CulturalDC. The installation, titled “40 ACRES: Camp Barker,” fulfilled two objectives. It was both a tribute to President Lincoln and a historical analysis of Washington, D.C. The site, which is now Garrison Elementary School, was selected with importance since it was once Camp Barker, a refugee camp for freed African Americans during the Civil War.
The 3,000-pound wax sculpture, according to CulturalDC, was intended to “burn like a candle and change over time.” Still, the group admitted that this change was greatly sped up by the “wild heat”. The installation at the schoolyard was supposed to remain there until September of this year.
Safety First: Head Removal and Public Education
Recognizing the safety hazard posed by the melting wax, CulturalDC took the initiative to remove Lincoln’s head before it could fall and potentially injure someone. The organization shed light on the wax’s melting point of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting the unusual intensity of the heatwave.
Heatwave Woes Grip the US
The scorching temperatures plaguing Washington D.C. are part of a broader heatwave affecting various regions across the United States. Weather forecasters urge residents in the central and eastern parts of the country to be prepared for prolonged hot spells throughout June.
The news report concludes by mentioning the record number of heatwaves experienced in the US last year, emphasizing the growing concern around rising temperatures
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