Since Oliver Hardy started his film career in Jacksonville, Florida in 1913: We the members of the Sons of the Desert, Any Old Port Tent in Jacksonville, Florida, feel an obligation to provide a permanent remembrance of his likeness to the community of Jacksonville, Florida. We want to honor the memory of Oliver Hardy. We also want to preserve the knowledge that Oliver Hardy, of the world renowned comedy team, "Laurel and Hardy" was a comedic actor making many films (over 170) in the few years he was here.

In 2013 (the 100 year anniversary of Oliver Hardy's arrival to Jacksonville) We the members of the Any Old Port Tent plan to erect a bust or statue in the likeness of Oliver Hardy, someware in the city of Jacksonville. Working with the Mayor's office, we hope to name a city park after Oliver Hardy and place the statue there.

We are currently looking for donations to the Oliver Hardy Statue Fund. We will need to find an artist to design the image. We will need a sculptor to create the design. We will also need a person to cast the design into a bronze sculpture. It will get very costly, very quickly. That’s why we are looking for donations now. The amount of the donations will determine if we will be able to create a bust or a full statue.

If you are in a position to make a donation, we will be setting up a donation link on this page. This will allow you to make a donation by Check or Credit Card. Please call (904) 443-2848 with any questions.

Thank you