Brookings S.D. (KELO AM) - It will take more than Colorado's Big Thompson River overflowing its banks to stop the progress of Dirty Lil from making her way to the South Dakota State University campus.
A bronze sculpture of Dirty Lil, who has been part of SDSU's Hobo Day homecoming celebrations for almost five decades, was created by sculptor Dave Anderson ('66) at Art Castings in Loveland, Colo.
That area's recent rain and flooding forced the unveiling reception to be moved. Despite the change in venue and necessary transport, Dirty Lil and attendees were safe and are on the way to Brookings.
Dirty Lil will join the bronze sculpture of Hobo Day icon Weary Wil and his faithful dog Pooch outside the Hobo Day Gallery by the University Student Union. The campus unveiling will take place on the eve of Hobo Day 2013 with a 5 p.m. Oct. 4 ceremony.“Dirty Lil from Garbage Hill” began her story in 2010 when Anderson was halfway through his sculpting of Weary Wil. The SDSU Foundation then approached him to consider a likeness of Wil's partner. Dirty Lil owes her likeness to Anita Quast Lawe (‘40), who was active on campus and the 1938 Hobo Queen. She graduated with highest honors and forged a successful career. Her daughter Lonnie Humphries and the Robert H. and Anita Q. Lawe Foundation commissioned the sculpture honoring Anita and the women of Hobo Day.