Man on a Horse? Try George Washington on a Camel

You've passed it a million times, and sometimes you even take notice. Maybe you haven't, but here it is: a man riding a horse on Brandon Boulevard. That's what we reported April 24, in a Brandon Patch post that acknowledged the aging animal sculpture might better be described as a "camel" or a "llama."

Camel it is, and on it sits a figure depicting George Washington, according to Brandon Patch readers well-versed in town history.

Among them is Patch editor D'Ann White, who for 25 years worked at the Brandon News, as both a reporter and its longest-serving editor.

"As editor of The Brandon News, I interviewed Shelton's Nursery owner Arthur Yambor shortly before his sudden death in 2004 at the age of 55," White said. "He was a big joker and told me he bought the statue of George Washington on the camel because he thought it was hilarious."

As for the nearby pink elephant, that "once sat in front of a bar on U.S. Highway 301," White said Shelton told her. A reader identified as Angela said she had heard the "pink elephant used to be at a bar back in the early 1920s and had hidden liquors in it."

Visit today and you will see that, indeed, there is a large opening in the back of the elephant, whose color has faded to a pale pink.

"For the 25th anniversary of the nursery, Arthur decided to paint it silver," White said. "There was an uproar in Brandon. Everyone wanted the elephant to remain pink."

As colors fade, burning bright are memories surrounding the sculptures, which sit on a small sliver of land, for sale, that houses the old Shelton's Nursery building.

To wit, this post from reader George McAuley:

"I was born and raised in the Brandon area and can't recall a time that the 'George on the camel' — as well as the pink elephant — weren't there at Shelton's. I live in another state now but smile whenever I come home, drive by the old Shelton's property and see them still there, keeping watch over my hometown! Great story."

A reader identified only as "m" apparently has a relation to Shelton:

"So fun to hear people still talking about the lively decor from Shelton's Nursery & Spas. My father would be thrilled! Thanks so much for your kind comments that evoke fond memories."

As for why George Washington is sitting on a camel, a reader identified as Kristen said she did some research:

". . . I just looked it up and found this on another site: 'George Washington was fond of exotic animals and plants. In 1787, he paid 18 shillings for a camel to spend the Christmas holidays at Mount Vernon to entertain the Washingtons and their guests.' "

As for the future of the sculptures nestled near the entranceway to Dunkin' Donuts, at 1346 West Brandon Blvd., White said she hopes due diligence will be paid.

As she put it: "I personally, consider these [sculptures] to be a valuable piece of Brandon's history and hope they will be preserved in a location where they can continue to be enjoyed by the residents."