JERSEY: Grafton renames sculpture ‘Mary the Turtle’ in honor of former Councilwoman
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By Steven Spencer
Steven Spencer/Jersey County Journal
Mary Lillesve was recognized at the most recent Grafton Chamber of Commerce meeting for her dedicated service to the city. The plaque will be displayed on what is now named “Mary the Turtle” on the Grafton Riverfront.
Mary Lillesve was recognized by the Grafton Chamber of Commerce at their most recent meeting for her dedicated service to the City of Grafton.
During her time in Grafton, she has served as City Clerk from 2011 to 2017, City Alderwoman from 2017 to 2023, Chairperson of the Tourism Committee from 2017 to 2023 and was essential in bringing the giant turtle to the Grafton Riverfront.
Dan Ebbing, Chamber Vice-President, presented a plaque, which will be displayed on what is now named “Mary the Turtle,” along with heartfelt praise for Lillesve’s dedication to the community.
“The old saying is, ‘it takes a village,’” he said. “This is one of the people that makes something happen.”
Former Mayor Rick Eberlin said it was “truly an exceptional evening for a truly exceptional lady.”
“No doesn’t exist in Mary’s vocabulary,” Eberlin said. “Since the day she came she’s been an asset to our city, always saying yes. I remember when I went to Mary and asked if she would serve out a term as a council lady and she thought about it, but she never said no and I thank God that she didn’t.”
Eberlin joked that even though he wasn’t always the biggest supporter of the turtle sculpture, the city owes Lillesve their gratitude for her work.
“There is rarely a day when you don’t see kids and adults playing on that turtle,” he said. “I never in my wildest dreams believed it could be the attraction that it has been for Grafton”
Lillesve said when she first moved to Grafton she was still unpacking when she was invited to play basketball at the wellness center.
“That was the first hand that reached out to me and you have all been reaching out since,” she said. “I came from Minnesota and now call Grafton home, so thank you, each and every one of you.”
The plaque reads, “This sculpture was due to her dream and fortitude,” and includes a phrase that rings true with the former Minnesota resident “Visit for a weekend… stay for a lifetime.”
Steven Spencer/Jersey County Journal
Mary Lillesve was recognized at the most recent Grafton Chamber of Commerce meeting for her dedicated service to the city. The plaque will be displayed on what is now named “Mary the Turtle” on the Grafton Riverfront.
