ROCKPORT — A new sign doing its job — drawing attention in Rockport.
The “Rockport Public Library” sign is crafted of granite, an ode to the history of granite quarrying in Rockport.
Chris Mock, the foreman of public properties for Rockport Public Works, said the sign symbolizes the community nature of the town since it was created by a local resident and businessman.
“They did a marvelous job,” Mock said. “I just think it’s great. It looks awesome.”
The sign, approximately 25 square feet in size, was created by David Helfant of Breaking Stones Masonry Corp. in Rockport.
“It took at least 100 hours,” Helfant said. “It was all hand-carved with a ½-inch chisel. I think it’s one of kind.”
Helfant said the granite used for the sign was taken from Johnson’s Quarry in town He estimated the sign cost approximately $5,000, below the market cost for such work.
“I gave them a deal,” Helfant said. “It’s for the town of Rockport. This is my calling. Stone masonry is my passion and my life.”
The sign was unveiled during a ceremony a few weeks ago, Mock said. Select Board members were on hand, along with members of the Library Board of Trustees, library staff and residents.
The library is located at 17 School St., at the intersection of School Street and Broadway. The sign is located on Broadway, next to the library’s parking lot.
Mock said Helfant’s work is impressive.
“He chiseled it by hand,” he said. “It’s nice to see a granite sign located there. The sign fits very well where it is.”
Library DIrector Cindy Grove said the sign “has been a long-time coming.” She said it is reflective of many granite buildings in town.
“It’s really important that people are able to locate the library, whether they are long-time residents or visitors to town,” Grove said. “I wanted to do something that represents the Rockport community. We wanted to do a granite sign.”
Grove said she was impressed by the work done by Breaking Stones Masonry’s Helfant.
“I was blown away,” she said. “Everybody absolutely loves it.”
Grove said a program showcasing the design process for the sign will be presented in Rockport sometime in the fall.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.