In loving Memory of Grandma Gatewood’s Great Granddaughter
In loving memory of Marjorie Gilliam Wood, October 1, 1956- August 2025 the great-granddaughter of Grandma Gatewood and a remarkable supporter of the Grandma Gatewood Statue project. A passionate historian and genealogist, she embraced her family legacy with pride. Our conversations were filled with insights, as she advocated for the statue project with unwavering enthusiasm. As a sculptor, the knowledge she shared with me was an invaluable gift that shaped my work.
Marjorie's curiosity and helpfulness shone through as she answered my many questions, like:
"How tall was Grandma Gatewood?"
"What kind of hiking stick did she prefer?" and
"Are there any photos of her wearing Keds shoes?"
While history tells us Grandma Gatewood hiked in Keds, those shoes remain elusive in many photos as her pants cover her shoes. Designer Brands (DSW), which acquired Keds in 2023, could play a part in honoring her legacy. It would be fitting to recognize a woman who inspired so many, especially with Designer Brands' headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, where Grandma Gatewood began her journey, lived, and is interred. One of the statues will have a home in Ohio, in Gallopolise, at her cemetery plot. If you have connections to DSW's corporate office, please reach out.
Marjorie's approval of the maquette design for the statue was a testament to her belief in this project. My only wish is that she could have experienced the excitement of receiving official letters from a location on the Appalachian Trail that now awaits their duplicate of the statue—a special place in her memory. She truly has a home on the AT! But more on that later.
As both a sculptor and historian myself, I am profoundly grateful for the moments I've shared with Marjorie, exploring the legacy of her great-grandmother. She will inspire us forever.
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon
To find out more about the project and follow along, please visit www.Grandmagatewood.com
To donate to the project https://grandmagatewood.com/statue-project/
There is a GoFundMe. We also have a way to receive larger tax-deductible checks through Eden Valley Enterprises, the producers of the award-winning documentary that is also a part of this statue project. If you are interested please contact us.
No donation is too small, and sharing our posts about the project and fundraising is a way for you to help in a big way.