The Grapevine Nightwatchman –
We are often asked who the “cowboy statue” is on top of City Hall. He may have worn attire fitting for a cowboy back then, but that incredible statue represents our Grapevine Nightwatchmen.
The history (and details about the statue) of the Grapevine Nightwatchman is a fascinating story that began in 1907, the year the Town of Grapevine voted to incorporate as a city. The town established its first elected official positions, including a mayor, five Aldermen, and a City Marshal (also called the Nightwatchman). The first Nightwatchman was William Madison Bennett (pictured below), the maternal grandfather of Mayor William D. Tate.
Over the years, the Nightwatchmen performed various extra duties in addition to their primary duties of checking to ensure the exterior doors of all the buildings on Main Street were locked each night. Two extra duties were being a dog catcher and checking the safety of water wells. He was always faithful, a friend, and trustworthy. In April of 1911, a salary of $25 per month was authorized for the Nightwatchman ($665 in today’s money).
For the first four years, each business owner paid him for his service. The longest-serving Grapevine Nightwatchman was James S. (“Uncle Jim”) Daniel, the grandfather of Grapevine’s first City Councilwoman, Thelma Conine. Because of city growth, in July 1956 the office of Nightwatchman/City Marshal was abolished, and the new office of Chief of Police was established, with John F. Baze being named the first Chief. He was hired at a salary of $300 per month ($2,872 in today’s money).
In 1997, when Grapevine’s new City Hall building was constructed, it was decided that a statue of the Grapevine Nightwatchman with his shining lantern would be the perfect emblem to adorn the top of the new building. Built by artist Jack Bryant of Springtown, the statue is a blending of several of the various Grapevine Nightwatchmen; it stands eight feet tall, weighs 640 pounds, and was dedicated in 1998.
From the top of City Hall, the Nightwatchman’s lantern shines its protective light each night on the city, reminding everyone that there is someone out there looking out for our safety and security. From one brave citizen in 1907 to more than 100 sworn Police Officers at the Grapevine Police Department today, we are grateful for each of them and depend on their service.
The Grapevine Nightwatchman statue is one of the City’s finest monuments, commemorating service above self, and celebrating the resulting wonderful, safe hometown we all love
