The sign was at the foot of the statue in the grass. It read:

Town and Gown
Mark Sponenburgh, Sculptor

This sculpture, depicting two academics and two townspeople, commemorates the longstanding relationship between Willamette University and the Town of Salem, both established early in the 1840s.

Dedicated February 1, 1992, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Willamette University

The art depicted four people. The man and woman on the left were the townspeople. Those on the right were the academics.

A different angle with the Oregon State Capital building in the background.

The two academics viewed from behind. Notice that the woman is shorter than the man, a presumption of the 1900s.

The academic woman wore her hair up and a necklace outside her graduation gown.

The academic man wore a beard. He also wore a dress shirt and tie under his graduation gown.

The townsman wore a slightly domed hat with a wide brim. The townsman was clean shaved which suggested a beard could be a mark of youthful rebellion.

The townswoman wore the same hat as the man.

The townswoman carried a purse over her arm.

The townsman carried an umbrella which was practical for the Willamette Valley.

The academic man carried a book. There was no clue to the type of book.

The academic woman carried a branch with leaves on it.