Nearly 20 years ago, Daniel Stephenson began providing lithographs of the United States Constitution for public buildings — now his son, Gary Stephenson, is carrying on that tradition.
This week, a 1934 lithograph of the constitution was hung at the Chickasaw County Courthouse thanks to Stephenson and local sponsors. The lithograph was presented by the American Legion Post 38, the Ladies Auxiliary and VFW Post 5238 in honor of all veterans.
“As we celebrate 220 years since the enactment of this great document, may each of us come to enjoy its beauty,” wrote Stephenson. “May we recognize our founding fathers for their wisdom. May we never forget those who served and sacrificed defending it.”
According to Stephenson, the lithographs were printed in 1934 and were discovered in 1987 in a Chicago warehouse. When Stephenson’s father passed away last year, he discovered that his father had sold 25 lithographs to Iowa courthouses.
“With the help of my brother James, I have taken it upon myself an attempt to have one of these Constitution prints donated to as many courthouses in Iowa as possible,” according to Stephenson.
The Fort Dodge man is currently traveling to each Iowa county to offer the Board of Supervisors the opportunity to display the ornate print of the Constitution.
The framed, 40-by-52-inch lithograph, can be viewed by the community on the second floor of the Chickasaw County Courthouse near the Clerk of Court office.
Because the lithographs costs $600 each, Stephenson seeks out sponsors so the constitution can be displayed at no cost to the county.
Sponsors for the Chickasaw County lithograph include Bennett Pharmacy, Hacker, Nelson & Co, P.C., Hanson Tire Service, Vern Laures Auto Center, New Hampton Electric, New Hampton Transfer and Storage, Rochford Insurance Agency, Security State Bank, State Farm Insurance and Warren’s Grain Dryers.