Wishing Bench Repair Fund

Maybe it rose out of the Kaw like a Venus on the half-shell, it’s pylons glistening in primordial sunrise.  Maybe it came in on the 11:52 Amtrak from KC and and shuffled down the track.  Maybe it erupted out of the sidewalk like an overgrown sycamore root and sprouted a Christmas tree.  Hey, we’ve got some great green thumbs in East Lawrence, who’s to say?  


While the origins of the Wishing Bench, located at 9th and Delaware Streets here in Lawrence, are shrouded in mystery and legend, it’s current state is quite clear.  The Wishing Bench needs your help!  It was brought to our attention earlier this fall that the Wishing Bench is in need of repair.  Some portions of the wooden base the bench stands on have rotted away, while other planks are warped and unstable.  Neighbors are concerned the Bench may cause injury.  And, well, since no one in particular owns the bench -- The Wishing Bench belongs to the people!  It belongs to itself! -- no one in particular is responsible for paying for repairs.  But, ELNA can help a neighbor out.  Even a bench neighbor.  So!  ELNA is organizing an effort to raise money to buy supplies for repairing the Wishing Bench.  ELNA will raise funds, and Eric Jay, ELNA Board member and co-owner of Struct ReStruct, can provide expertise to rebuild the base.  When the time comes to make the repairs, likely in the spring, ELNA may also organize volunteer labor for the construction of a new base.  Stay tuned for more information on that.  


But first, funds!  


The cost of materials for a new (and improved and significantly safer) Wishing Bench base has been estimated at around $650.  Can you spare a few bucks?  Donate to our gofundme, or you can mail check or money order to Wishing Bench Repair Fund, ELNA, PO Box 442393, Lawrence, KS 66044.


Email us with questions.

Our thanks go to ELNA Board Member Catherine Reed for the pictures.  Thanks, Catherine!


Thanks!