Pennsylvania Daybook

Defense: Teen not shooter after July 4 Pittsburgh fireworks

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The National Park Service is putting the shine back on to two much-photographed statues of George Washington and Commodore John Barry outside Philadelphia's Independence Hall. Workers from Gettysburg National Military Park are helping clean and buff the statues. On Wednesday, a worker brushed wax on Barry's coattails. The image of the father of the U.S. Navy has been at the site since 1907. In front of Independence Hall, workers were dabbing wax on Washington's shirt. They then used a propane blow torch to liquefy the wax, giving the over 100-year-old bronze statues a sheen. On Thursday, they'll buff the works, both created by sculptor Samuel Murray, to a polish. Curator Karie Diethorn says the elements can be rough on the statues. They need a cleaning about every 5 years.

Washington, Barry statues get shine back in Philadelphia