Here's another method to replace the lost Old Man.
#1, Build a permanent skeleton frame, same real size as the fallen Old Man, using welded aluminum tubing similar to what gets used in a motorcycle frame, and install it on the old spot, high up on Cannon Cliff.
#2, Every year on May 3, the day the Old Man collapsed, hang and secure a new painted canvas likeness of the Old Man over the skeleton frame so every year would bring a slightly different looking Old Man and it would always be in good condition.
#2a, To attract Old Man paint artists, run a 'Paint the Old Man' contest starting every April 1 with a $10,000 award for the first place finisher. Picking the winning rendition could be an interesting, state-wide participation choice.
If an Old Man canvas doesn't last for the year due to wind, rain, snow, etc, then there would be the second place canvas immediately available for a midyear replacement.
Purchasing the blank form-fitting canvas form of the unpainted Old Man hopefully would cost less than one thousand dollars, and would have to be purchased from the State of New Hampshire and paid by contest participants as an entry fee. The whole process would hopefully create some tourist interest during a slow time of the tourist year and generate some money for the state parks system. So basically, a participating artist would have to spend $1000. of their own money to the state in hope to win $10,000. plus their artistic labor and approved weather resistant paints.
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...good grief....what a terrific idea....how come some smarty didn't already think of this?
