Photo provided by Doug Farmer,
Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department.
Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department.
ABERDEEN, WASHINGTON
N 46° 58.598 / W 123° 48.762
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260121.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260121.
In Zelasko Park near downtown Aberdeen, standing about 60 feet from Wishkah Street in the 200 block of South “F” Street.
The engraving on the marble base reads:
THE SPIRIT OF THE
AMERICAN DOUGHBOY,
WHO IN PEACE REPRESENTED THE
IDEALS OF A NATION OF FREEMEN, AND IN THE
WORLD WAR FEARLESSLY FACED DEATH IN DEFENSE
OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND LIBERTY.
CHERISHING THE MEMORIES OF
THOSE WHO FELL, AND WITH GRATITUDE TO THE
SURVIVORS OF THE NATION’S CONFLICTS, THIS STATUE
WAS ERECTED BY THE VETERANS AND PATRIOTIC
ORGANIZATIONS OF ABERDEEN WASHINGTON.
JULY 4, 1926
THE SPIRIT OF THE
AMERICAN DOUGHBOY,
WHO IN PEACE REPRESENTED THE
IDEALS OF A NATION OF FREEMEN, AND IN THE
WORLD WAR FEARLESSLY FACED DEATH IN DEFENSE
OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND LIBERTY.
CHERISHING THE MEMORIES OF
THOSE WHO FELL, AND WITH GRATITUDE TO THE
SURVIVORS OF THE NATION’S CONFLICTS, THIS STATUE
WAS ERECTED BY THE VETERANS AND PATRIOTIC
ORGANIZATIONS OF ABERDEEN WASHINGTON.
JULY 4, 1926
Originally located in a small triangular plot at Simpson and North Park Street. Moved and rededicated at current location March 4, 1961, since its heavy base was crushing the wood culvert over which it stood. The original engraving was engraved on the new base. The VFW and Auxiliary, American Legion and Auxiliary, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star Mothers, and other patriotic organizations participated in the rededication. Many had also been involved in the original dedication. The Doughboy was cleaned and restored, and the bayonet was replaced, while the new site and base were being prepared.
The landscaped park contains rest benches, a World War II pack howitzer with a plaque, a flag pole, and large woodcarvings of a logger and a bobcat. It is the focal point of Aberdeen’s winter holiday lighting.
The monument was hit by an auto in 2000 and the impact broke the base. The Doughboy wasn’t damaged, but was temporarily removed until the base had been repaired. The statue is in good condition.
The landscaped park contains rest benches, a World War II pack howitzer with a plaque, a flag pole, and large woodcarvings of a logger and a bobcat. It is the focal point of Aberdeen’s winter holiday lighting.
The monument was hit by an auto in 2000 and the impact broke the base. The Doughboy wasn’t damaged, but was temporarily removed until the base had been repaired. The statue is in good condition.
Above: The statue at its original dedication location at Simpson and North Park Street. Right: The statue being reinstalled after the base was hit by a car in 2000.
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Photo: Daily World, Kathy Quigg, 10/23/2000.
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