Statue of Tesla Unveiled on Goat Island

Niagara Falls- The “melting pot” concept of America was highlighted in talks dedicating a statue of electrical genius Nikola Tesla on Goat Island on Friday.

A host of U.S. and Yugoslavian officials praised Tesla’s contributions in the electrical field as symbolic of contributions made by many immigrants who settled in the U.S.

Frank G. Zarb, administrator of the Federal Energy Administration, accepted the statue from the Yugoslavian government on behalf of President Gerald R. Ford.

Zarb said it was important “to keep alive and active” the friendship with other nations including Yugoslavia. He said some Yugoslav-Americans have had difficulties in traveling to Yugoslavia, adding “I’m sure both countries want to keep up the exchange of people.”

Called ‘Fitting Tribute’

Ford’s message, read by Zarb, said “this splendid Bicentennial gift” of the statue was a “fitting tribute to a man of vision.”

He added the U.S. was “especially mindful of our unique ties” with other nations through the contributions of so many immigrants.

Dr. Ivo Margan, president of the Socialist Union of Croatia, and Yugoslavian Ambassador Dimce Belovski, presented the gift on behalf of Yugoslavia.

Margan read a statement from Yugoslavian president Josip Tito, saying Tesla’s work symbolized the contributions of many Yugoslavians for “freedom, independence and progress.”

Tito said his government would do its “utmost to maintain the friendship and understanding” of the U.S.

Orin Lehman, commissioner of The New York State Parks, and Recreation Commission, said the statue will enhance the park.

He said Tesla’s contributions “benefitted the people of the whole world” and demonstrated the importance of human resources.

Helped Harness Falls

He said it was fitting to place the statue on Goat Island near the falls, “a great natural wonder which Tesla helped to harness.” Tesla designed the falls power system.

Several other speakers spoke of the background and genius of Tesla, a native of the Republic of Croatia in Yugoslavia. Tesla, an electrical engineer, came to this country in 1884 and worked with Thomas Edison.

Later he was commissioned by the Westinghouse Co. and developed the first alternating current induction motor. He also discovered the use of multiphase alternating current for long-distance transmission of electrical power.

This contribution made possible the vast industrial development in this country.

He successfully demonstrated the use of alternating current at the Adams Power station here in the mid 1890s. Throughout his life, Tesla pioneered in the fields of electricity, motors and radio.

Died Poor, Alone

He made millions during his career, but died destitute and alone in New York City in 1943. However, his vast contributions to science and humanity have been increasingly recognized.

George Martin, chairman of the Niagara Frontier State Park and Recreation Commission, said the commission was “delighted to provide the site” for the statue.

Zarb and Margan unveiled the statue which was placed in front of the old Adams Plant Portal on Goat Island. The statue was sculptured in Zagreb, Yugoslavia.

Assisting in planning the event were Robert M. Cleary Jr., vice president and general manager of Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., and Nicholas A. Beldecos, vice president of the Large Rotating Appliances Div. of Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Area Yugoslav-Americans will hold a folk festival on Goat Island from 3 to 5 this afternoon in honor of Tesla.