Ayyyyyyy! It's no secret that Downtown Milwaukee may soon sport a statue of "The Fonz," but here's your chance to state your opinion as to whether or not this is a good idea. For anyone not familiar with this issue, here's a quick recap:
So far, Visit Milwaukee has raised almost $50,000 of the $85,000 needed for a bronze sculpture that would be unveiled in 2008. The "Bronze Fonz" is, of course, a tribute to Arthur Fonzarelli, the character played by actor Henry Winkler in the television show "Happy Days," which took place in Milwaukee circa the 1950s.
Winkler says he would come to Milwaukee for the dedication if the sculpture is erected, and Visit Milwaukee says it is confident it will be.
So what do you think? Would you like to see a "Fonzie" sculpture Downtown? Sound off now, Milwaukee!
Yes, that would be cool. A Fonz sculpture is kitschy and fun, and would be a great addition to Downtown Milwaukee. Plus, it's keeping with a trend that's happening in other cities: there's a statue of Mary Richards from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in Minneapolis and one of Bob Hartley from "The Bob Newhart Show" in Chicago. The "Rocky" statue in Philadelphia is a big hit with tourists. And hey, it still beats Mark di Suvero's "sunburst sculpture" at the foot of Wisconsin Avenue.
No way, it's totally uncool. A "Bronze Fonz" is a bad idea. "The Fonz" depicts an old image of Milwaukee, the one that was all about a conservative, Blue Collar existence. Brew City struggles enough with its self-image, and is trying to redefine itself beyond stereotypes, and this statue will just reinforce them. And, hey, some of us like di Suvero and "The Calling."
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
