LOGAN SQUARE — A vandal defaced the Logan Square monument some time over the last few days, scrawling a giant philosophy quote in bright orange spray paint on its ornate base.
The Ludwig Wittgenstein quote reads: "Whereof one cannot speak thereof be silent."
It's unclear exactly when the vandalism occurred, or if a police report was filed. Police couldn't immediately find a report.
But one thing is for certain: Removing the graffiti will cost "thousands of dollars," according to Andrew Schneider, president of Logan Square Preservation.
"It's really disappointing to see someone thoughtlessly tag the monument when there are available permissions walls in the neighborhood," Schneider said in a prepared statement.
"It's particularly frustrating because the monument is a soft stone, marble, and requires very careful attention," he added.
The 70-foot monument, formally known as the Illinois Centennial Memorial, at 3891 W. Logan Blvd., is a nearly 100-year-old commemoration to Illinois’ statehood.
It's topped with an eagle in reference to the state flag and engraved with Native Americans, Illinois farmers and industrial laborers to represent rapid change during the state's first 100 years
Back in 2014, Logan Square Preservation and then- 35th Ward Ald. Rey Colon teamed up to fund $80,000 in renovations on the monument — in part due to graffiti.
Also in 2014, a 21-year-old Lakeview man was charged with criminal damage to property after getting caught tagging the monument while drinking vodka.
Some neighbors took to social media to air their frustrations about the latest tag.
I'm not impressed with whomever tagged the Logan Square monument with a Ludwig Wittgenstein quote.
— Stephen♽Peacenik (@Herodedalus) July 30, 2017
To the person who tagged the Logan Square monument w/a philosophy quote:
— Crystal Carrazco (@fobluv3r) July 29, 2017
you're wasting tax money on cleaning up after you. #damnhipsters
