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Farewell to the West Breckenridge Dragon

(C. Proxmire, The Ferndale 115 News, June 1, 2012 ed)

For about ten years residents near West Breckenridge and Livernois have lived in the company of a large metal dragon perched on a watchtower of stone, presumably keeping watch over the corner.

Scott Wright’s father created the dragon for his son a decade ago.  He also made an alligator, which is less prominently guarding the opposite side of the front lawn, poking out from the hedges.

The Wright family moved from Ferndale to Pleasant Ridge nearly two years ago, and a tenant on W. Breckenridge shared the kingdom with the creatures.  But sadly their time together must come to an end, as Wright – who is a contractor by trade – has finished creating the perfect dragon habitat.  This weekend the dragon will be moved to a cascading pond flanking an ample front porch deck, surrounded by beautiful grasses and flowers just one city north of its original home.

“I know people are sad to see it go,” Wright said.  “But then again there are some neighbors who won’t be, so it’s okay.”  Wright is helping to keep art growing in Ferndale, as a volunteer of the DDA.  One of his jobs has been to help with the installation of artwork throughout the city with the ARTWN program.

“I like where I live, but I will always be part of Ferndale too,” Wright said.

The dragon is expected to depart this weekend, “as soon as I can round up a couple buddies to help me move it,” he said.  “It only weighs about a hundred pounds, but the way it’s set you need a couple people to lift it off the platform.”

The West Breckenridge Dragon should not be confused with the Fire-Breathing Dragon that visited recently as part of the Ferndale Public Library’s Day of Books and Roses Celebration.