The term “sweat equity” was not in vogue when immigrants Herman and Julia Fisher settled in the South Side during the early 20th century.

But hard work, faith and education helped build the family into a local can-do emblem of patriotism for St. Joseph’s South End. That symbol has now been immortalized in a bronze sculpture, “Planting America,” unveiled Sunday afternoon at Pryor Park just off Alabama Street.

The Fisher Family Memorial honors the Odessa, Russia, family and the many other immigrants of the time who chose to make St. Joseph their home. The Catholic couple had six children who left money behind after their deaths. Emmaleen Fisher, the last sibling who died in 2007, gave the entire $2.4 million family trust to be shared by the South Side Progressive Association, St. James Catholic Church and Benton High School.

Sculptor Claudia Packer of Utah created “Planting America” as a tribute to immigrants’ impact on the growth of St. Joseph.

“I just appreciate the opportunity to be able to do this,” she told a crowd of spectators gathered for the unveiling. “It’s been my pleasure and my joy ... I hope you think of the other pioneers who came here.”

Ms. Packer also created a statue of Chief White Cloud five years ago that’s located near Hyde Park. “Planting America” features a mother, father and daughter planting an apple tree. The Fishers at one time tended an apple orchard on their property, said Linda Tanner, the association’s treasurer and chairperson of the memorial’s committee.

“It has been a joy and an honor to work with her,” Ms. Tanner said of the relationship with Ms. Packer. “My committee had a lot of help as we went forward.”

She recognized all members of the committee, including Judy Cunningham — who she said died before the unveiling but provided valuable information to the endeavor.

Larry Stobbs, the association’s president, acknowledged other contributors to the project, including Edson Marsh Construction of St. Joseph.

“We’ve had a good general contractor,” he said. “We’ve had good weather.”

Parks director Bill McKinney praised the association’s planning and ingenuity.

“What you’re seeing here today is what South St. Joseph Progressive has done,” he told the crowd. “The whole city in general is a better place to live.”

The group has also used funds from the Fisher trust for projects such as purchasing basketball uniforms for the Special Olympics team at Benton and donating to the St. Joseph Soccer Association.

Ms. Packer said she and her husband, Thane, have come to regard St. Joseph as a second home.

“I have grown to love St. Joseph,” she said. “You’re so fortunate. The history in St. Joseph ... is unbelievable to me.”

Lighting will illuminate the sculpture for nighttime viewing, Ms. Tanner added.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.