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To commemorate famous boxing champ Rocky Marciano, who died in a plane crash in Newton 50 years ago, the city has agreed to install an engraved rock and informational signage along the hike and bike trail near exit 164 of Interstate 80, leading visitors to an extended display at the nearby Jasper County Historical Museum.
Newton City Council accepted a $10,000 grant from the Governor Branstad Iowa History Fund during its meeting Monday to fund the installation of the commemorative rock dedicated to Marciano, which was first proposed by author, wrestling enthusiast and former Newton Daily News publisher Mike Chapman in November 2018.
Chapman will also provide $2,800 worth of Marciano memorabilia to be put on display at the Jasper County Historical Museum, including a sculpture of the boxer himself created by Newton artist Nick Klepinger. According to agenda documents, remaining grant funds upon completion of the project will be used for lighting or additional signage near the memorial site or museum.
On Aug. 31, 1969, the undefeated boxer was killed in a plane crash near Newton one day before his 46th birthday. The plane, Chapman said, was on its way to Des Moines that day.
Acknowledging the departed professional boxer as one of his heroes, Chapman noted his experience working alongside a prior Newton mayor to create a “Rocky Marciano Day” in remembrance of the 30-year anniversary of Marciano’s death, which is what spurred the creation of Klepinger’s sculpture.
Clutching a copy of “Rocky Marciano: The Rock of His Times” by author Russell Sullivan in his hands, Chapman told the city council, “He was a great human being. This book … was written by a University of Illinois history professor. He makes the case the two men that stand for the 1950s decade the best: Dwight David Eisenhower and Rocky Marciano.”
Prior to pitching his idea to the Newton City Council last year, Chapman said he had spoken to the now former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad — who was the subject of Chapman’s book “Iowa’s Record Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story” — if he would be in favor of supporting a commemorative rock for Marciano.
“I said (to Branstad) we need to do something in Newton to honor the memory of this great American — not just a sports figure, a good person,” Chapman said. “Like what Clear Lake does for Buddy Holly. And like West Virginia does for Audie Murphy. And like Tennessee does for Patsy Cline.”
According to Chapman, Branstad was all for it. The money made from Chapman’s book about Iowa’s former governor went toward the Governor Branstad Iowa History Fund, he added, which would pay for the Marciano memorial.
Newton Mayor Hansen said, “Boy am I looking forward to the dedication.”
Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com