By Andrew WestSALISBURY — Study the lead photo on the cover of “Salisbury Rising” today.
There is a Greg Bassett touch that many would not understand at first glance.
Reaching from the center of the downtown roundabout is an obelisk, an icon of optimism raised in 1970. Mike Dunn mentioned it last week during our conversation about Mr. Bassett, whose death on
Dec. 9 stunned all of us.
When this editor saw the cover for the first time a few days ago, the 30-foot aluminum obelisk seemed to pop off the page.
The work of art — although many people over the years didn’t see its beauty — was once on the Downtown Plaza. But it stood in the way of Main Street progress.
“Greg was obsessed over that obelisk,” said Mr. Dunn. “Where do we put it? Jake Day (former mayor) used to teasingly say it’s the Greg Bassett memorial obelisk — even though it’s the Fred Adkins obelisk.
“Greg would say, ‘What do we want to do with it?’”
In 2017, Mr. Bassett wrote a column sharing ideas for where it could go, and asked readers to weigh in.
“Lo and behold, it’s now a beautiful centerpiece in this roundabout right at the heart of downtown,” Mr. Dunn said. “How do you explain an obsession over this wonky monument that was put up in the 1970s?”
“He was obsessed with it, he was obsessed with the resurgence of downtown and what Jake Day had done in the last eight years. It just brought him tremendous pride.”
Indeed, the obelisk found its new home, right there in the center of Riverside Circle where West Carroll Street, Mill Street, Riverside Drive and Camden Avenue all meet. Mr. Bassett, donning a mask during the pandemic, was at the ribbon-cutting in July 2020.
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Why is this relevant today?
Well, in a roundabout way, it’s a fitting tribute to Mr. Bassett — and Fred P. Adkins.
In a column before the move of the 4,000-pound obelisk, Mr. Bassett said curiosity drove him to learn more.
As he did well, Mr. Bassett brought context and history to current events.
“The early 1970s were a crucial period of transition in Downtown Salisbury,” Mr. Bassett wrote. “With the opening of the Salisbury Mall in 1968, Downtown’s hundred-year purpose as the Eastern Shore’s retail hub was suddenly under full assault. To compete, the decision was made to make West Main Street an outdoor mall of sorts, to entice shoppers.
“Asphalt was converted to bricks, planters, trees and fountains were installed, and an idyllic pedestrian plaza was created. The walkway needed a centerpiece, a focal point, however, and a committee of prominent local business leaders formed to find one.”
K. King Burnett, a longtime Salisbury attorney and iconic community leader for more than four decades, said the idea was to add artwork that looked to the future.
The committee that chose it had declared, “It should not be a memorial, but rather a work of art that will symbolize the progressive spirit of the city of Salisbury, and that will become a symbol of our city.”
So on April 3, 1970, it was dedicated to Fred P. Adkins — owner of E. S. Adkins lumberyard. He was a businessman and civic leader, credited with leading the charge to bring air service to Salisbury.
Mr. Adkins’ connection to Salisbury’s newspaper roots likely gave Mr. Bassett a different perspective, a personal one. Mr. Bassett spent the better part of the last 40 years as a reporter and editor in this city.
“Adkins and his brothers, Dale Adkins, Harry C. Adkins and Samuel F.M. Adkins, purchased a large stake in the failing Wicomico News, invested significant cash in it, and converted the publication into The Salisbury Times in the 1920s,” Mr. Bassett wrote. “Salisbury might never have had a daily newspaper without Fred P. Adkins.”
The plaque at the base of the obelisk reads, “Inspired by the achievements of the past and dedicated to our faith in the future. The Friends of Fred P. Adkins 1878-1963.”
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In today’s edition (Dec. 19, 2023), you will find “Salisbury Rising,” an annual progress report.
In our business, we always call them special sections. But this one, well, truly is special.
It was the final publication produced by Mr. Bassett before his death. He had a hand in every aspect of the piece.
That’s how great community journalism is done. Mr. Bassett took great pains to get every detail right.
Most of us newspaper folks recognize that today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s fish wrap. It’s ephemeral.
But, when you put all of it together, it’s a collection of work that stands the test of time. Mr. Bassett’s impact with the Independent, and previously with the Daily Times, will be a lasting legacy.
