The bronze statue of George Chaffey Jr. standing near Upland City Hall is more than a monument to one of the founders of Upland and Ontario. It also represents the historic connection between Upland, California and Mildura, Australia — a connection that eventually led to the two communities becoming Sister Cities.

The 13-foot bronze statue was created by renowned Southern California sculptor John Edward Svenson, FNSS. It was unveiled on October 15, 2005 when approximately 200 people gathered at Upland City Hall for the dedication.

A Monument to a Man of Vision

George Chaffey Jr. was an engineer, inventor, irrigation pioneer and community developer. Along with his brother William, he helped establish the Model Colony that became Ontario and Upland. The Chaffey brothers later took their knowledge of irrigation and community development to Australia where they founded Mildura in Victoria.

The statue captures Chaffey as a visionary looking across the land he helped transform. Svenson portrayed him standing on an outcropping representing the San Gabriel Mountains, holding surveying instruments as he looks toward the valley. A cactus is positioned behind him while the base incorporates symbols associated with Chaffey's accomplishments.

The pedestal includes bronze reliefs commemorating several of Chaffey's achievements including Euclid Avenue, hydroelectric power, the long-distance telephone, Chaffey College, the S.S. Geneva on the Great Lakes and the first recreational vehicle.

The Upland Sister City Connection

The statue has a particularly special meaning to the Upland Sister City Association.

The historical marker at the statue identifies the Upland Sister Cities Association as its sponsor and says it was erected by the Association. The marker also specifically recognizes the connection to Mildura, stating that Upland's Sister City, Mildura, Australia was founded by George and William Chaffey.

In this way, the statue serves as a physical reminder of the remarkable story that connects two communities on opposite sides of the world. The same brothers who helped develop the agricultural community of Upland and Ontario carried their ideas to Australia and helped establish Mildura.

John Edward Svenson’s Vision

Svenson was a highly respected Southern California sculptor whose work can be found in public places, museums, schools, airports and other locations throughout the region. He was elected to the National Sculpture Society and later became a Fellow of the organization.

Svenson had a particular interest in George Chaffey and created several works depicting him. In describing the Upland statue, Svenson expressed the hope that people would see Chaffey as a man who had a vision for what the area could become.

That idea is reflected in the inscription on the Upland monument:

“Man of Vision
Land, Water and Power
Father of
The Model Colony”

A Lasting Symbol of Friendship

Today, the Chaffey statue stands as an important piece of Upland's history and public art. But for the Upland Sister City Association, it has an additional meaning.

It tells the story of how the vision of two brothers helped connect Southern California and Australia more than a century ago. That historic connection became the foundation for the friendship between Upland and Mildura.

The statue therefore represents more than George Chaffey's accomplishments. It represents the enduring international friendship between Upland and Mildura and the belief that communities separated by thousands of miles can still share history, ideas and friendship.