PRESS STATEMENT
May 16th 2025
CHARLESTON, MO, 16 May 2025 — A former Charleston resident, Mary Manley, who is now living in England, today announced a plan to help restore her hometown’s Main Street to the same year-round bustling activity she had known as a child.
“Back then,” she said, “we had two movie theaters, two soda shops, two drug stores, a jewelry shop, a bank, a newspaper, a dime store, several clothing stores; and much else besides. Though times have changed, I want the equivalent back!”
Mary is looking for someone to design an attraction for the city, and has offered $500,000 to finance what she calls “The Charleston Landmark Project” and develop it with the help of local leaders whose own work to benefit the town she much admires.
She explained that the landmark would be a large, stand-alone “kinetic” object that either moves or transforms in a way that would be fascinating to watch. This movement would be repeated many times throughout the day so no one would have to wait too long to see it perform. “We are currently inviting artists and designers throughout the world to think of exciting ideas for the attraction and request funding to further develop their designs.”
Once created, she said, her hope is that the commissioned work will be of such interest to all ages that it would attract an increasing number of motorists from the nearby I-57 to turn off into Charleston just to see it; and while there, have a look around, go to a café, do some shopping, or even spend the night. In short, help rejuvenate the local economy.
She also said that the idea for the project came “after I saw one of the stunning medieval mechanical clocks in Europe, a clock with moving figures ‘performing’ every hour. What impressed me almost as much as the clock was the number of tourists which it attracted.
I also learned that other towns and cities had different animations, including ‘The Stockton Flyer’ in England. And I thought, if it can work elsewhere, why not in Charleston? At least enough to make a difference! Now what we need is our own unique landmark.”
Mary is the daughter of the late Paul Handy Moore and his wife Margaret. Her father was a farmer and served as Charleston’s mayor in the 1940s. Her direct ancestor, Joseph Moore, drew up the town’s original plan in 1837 and named it after an absent brother, Charles.
Mary added this: “Few words create the deep response, however complex, to everyone everywhere as ‘my hometown,’ and I am no exception. While many of our ancestors, including mine, found opportunity in what was then known as the New World, I found my own by chance back in England. But my own hometown will always be Charleston and my identity, American. As such, I consider it a real privilege to do what I can, along with so many of its citizens, to help make its Main Street the busy one I remember. To which end, it’s wonderful that one of those citizens, Dr. Ronald Petersen, has already donated a fantastic site on Main Street, itself, for the landmark project.”
A steering committee for the project has already been established in Charleston, including partners from across the community including the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society and CHARM (Charleston Revitalization Movement).
Local farmer and businessman Hudson Byrd is chairing the steering group, and he said, “Like many towns and cities in Missouri, Charleston is working across a range of initiatives to restore their theatres, hotels and the economic vibrancy of their main streets. We believe the landmark project is a unique opportunity to create something that will be a very special attraction for visitors, as well as local families, to enjoy.”
Matthew Jarratt is the arts advisor for the project and has worked on many large scale sculpture and public art projects. About the Charleston project, he said, “When I visited Charleston and met the steering group, I was impressed by how much passion people had for their city, and it’s encouraging to hear about the range of improvements which are planned around Main Street.
“This call out for artists is a special opportunity,” continued Jarratt. “We recognize that there may only be a small number of artists and designers who can work in this way, but we are starting the process to look for artists across the USA and beyond who can respond to Mary’s concept.
“A website has been launched which gives the background of Charleston, project details of the artists’ brief, and how to apply. The deadline for artists and designers to apply is September 30. We aim to unveil artists’ design proposals in 2026, with the ambition to have the project on site in 2027.”
A final note about Mary: she said that Charleston’s excellent library had fueled her love of books as a child, and this led to a job after college in a secondhand bookshop in New York. After marrying an Englishman, Stuart Manley, some years later and moving to the north of England, she remembered the job she had loved, and in 1991, together with Stuart, opened her own secondhand and antiquarian bookshop in a huge former railway station built in Victorian times in Alnwick. That bookshop, Barter Books, now attracts over 300,000 visitors a year.
Press enquiries should be made to : info@charlestonlandmark.com
Notes to editors
- Where is Charleston?
The City of Charleston is near the Mississippi River in the bootheel of Missouri on the I-57 Interstate between St Louis to the north, Nashville to the east and Memphis to the south.
- Who is Mary Manley?
Mary Manley (maiden name “Moore”) grew up in Charleston. Indeed, her great-great grandfather, Joseph Moore, established the town in 1837, which he named after his brother.
- What is the Landmark project trying to achieve?
Public Artworks have been proved to attract visitors, create focal points and are often the centrepiece of vibrant towns and cities. Mary’s hope is that creating a landmark of significant interest will bring people into Charleston off the I-57 and thereby help its economy grow.
- Where will it be located?
The landmark will be located in the centre of Charleston next to the Post Office on Mainstreet and East Pecan Street.
- Who is funding the project?
Mary Manley is committing $500,00 to the creation of the landmark, while its site has been generously gifted by Doc Petersen. We are seeking support for the park landscaping around the landmark.
- When will it happen?
We plan to shortlist those who come up with ideas of special promise in 2025, exhibit the proposals in 2026, and deliver the project in 2027.
- Who is on the Steering Group in Charleston?
The Steering Group includes representatives from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, CHARM and the Historical Society. The Steering Group is Chaired by local farmer and businessman Hudson Byrd.
- What is kinetic art?
Kinetic Art is a term used to describe three-dimensional sculptures that move or transform naturally, or are mechanically operated. A must is that the action be repeated throughout the day (at regular intervals?) so that no visitor would have to wait too long to see it.
- Will the designs be made public?
The shortlist designs will be exhibited publicly in Charleston in Spring 2026
- How can I contact the project?
You can contact the project through our website and social media channels (Facebook) (Website)
To Find out more about the Charleston Missouri Landmark Project please visit our website and watch the video where Mary Manley talks about her vision for the project. Mary’s Project