The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
Photo provided by Priscilla Foster Davis, Librarian, Attica Public Library, and Doan Helms.
ATTICA, INDIANA
N 40° 17.515 / W 87° 14.981
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260025.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260025.
In Library Park in front of Attica Public Library at 305 South Perry Street.
The plaque on the front of the base reads:
ERECTED 1927 BY
FRANCIS M. DODGE
WILBERT M. ALLEN
AND OTHER CITIZENS
IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION
OF THE PATRIOTIC SERVICE
RENDERED BY
FOUNTAIN COUNTY
MEN AND WOMEN
DURING THE WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
The back of the pedestal is engraved:
FOR GOD & COUNTRY
SEMPER FIDELIS
ERECTED 1927 BY
FRANCIS M. DODGE
WILBERT M. ALLEN
AND OTHER CITIZENS
IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION
OF THE PATRIOTIC SERVICE
RENDERED BY
FOUNTAIN COUNTY
MEN AND WOMEN
DURING THE WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
The back of the pedestal is engraved:
FOR GOD & COUNTRY
SEMPER FIDELIS
According to a story in the Fountain-Warren County Democrat, the sculpture was dedicated November 11, 1927, at 2:30 in the afternoon before a crowd that filled the entire front of Library Park. School was dismissed at noon and business houses of Attica were closed from two to four o'clock so everyone could attend the unveiling.
Preceding the ceremony, the National Car Coupler Band marched from the downtown area to the park playing patriotic airs, and then formed a circle around the memorial continuing to play as people gathered. Master of ceremonies C. Lewis Green made some introductory remarks that were followed by the band playing of the "Star Spangle Banner," which was in turn followed by the singing of "America" by the crowd and the high school chorus led by Mrs. Effie Hildebrand. A prayer was offered by Rev. James B. Muir, pastor of the Attica First Presbyterian Church and Mr. Green sang a patriotic solo. The memorial was then unveiled by Mrs. Mary Douglas and Mrs. Purley Kight, both of whom lost sons in the war, and by Mrs. Belle Hurt and Mrs. William Judy, each of whom had a son wounded in France. Following the unveiling, W. R. Reed, on behalf of donors of the memorial fund, presented the memorial to Fountain County "In grateful recognition of the patriotic service rendered by Fountain county men and women during the World War." Dr. J. R. Burlington, commander of Post No. 52 of the American Legion accepted on behalf of the veterans, stating all hoped there would never be another war but, should we be so unfortunate to have another thrust upon us, the spirit exemplified by the memorial should be our standard and our guide. After another number by the band, Congressman Fred S. Purnell gave the main talk of the day during which he described Congress's difficult decision to enter the war. The band then played "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
After mentioning that E. M. Viquesney of Spencer, Indiana was the sculptor, the newspaper story stated that the Vaughan Taylor Monument Company of Lafayette, Indiana build the concrete foundation, the Bedford stone bases and pedestal upon which the doughboy rests, and erected the entire memorial.
The Doughboy was extensively refurbished by Venus Bronze Works of Detroit, Michigan in 1995 and is in outstanding condition.
Below are the announcement, program, and a photo of the dedication ceremony supplied by Al Wolf, Veedersburg, Indiana.
Preceding the ceremony, the National Car Coupler Band marched from the downtown area to the park playing patriotic airs, and then formed a circle around the memorial continuing to play as people gathered. Master of ceremonies C. Lewis Green made some introductory remarks that were followed by the band playing of the "Star Spangle Banner," which was in turn followed by the singing of "America" by the crowd and the high school chorus led by Mrs. Effie Hildebrand. A prayer was offered by Rev. James B. Muir, pastor of the Attica First Presbyterian Church and Mr. Green sang a patriotic solo. The memorial was then unveiled by Mrs. Mary Douglas and Mrs. Purley Kight, both of whom lost sons in the war, and by Mrs. Belle Hurt and Mrs. William Judy, each of whom had a son wounded in France. Following the unveiling, W. R. Reed, on behalf of donors of the memorial fund, presented the memorial to Fountain County "In grateful recognition of the patriotic service rendered by Fountain county men and women during the World War." Dr. J. R. Burlington, commander of Post No. 52 of the American Legion accepted on behalf of the veterans, stating all hoped there would never be another war but, should we be so unfortunate to have another thrust upon us, the spirit exemplified by the memorial should be our standard and our guide. After another number by the band, Congressman Fred S. Purnell gave the main talk of the day during which he described Congress's difficult decision to enter the war. The band then played "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
After mentioning that E. M. Viquesney of Spencer, Indiana was the sculptor, the newspaper story stated that the Vaughan Taylor Monument Company of Lafayette, Indiana build the concrete foundation, the Bedford stone bases and pedestal upon which the doughboy rests, and erected the entire memorial.
The Doughboy was extensively refurbished by Venus Bronze Works of Detroit, Michigan in 1995 and is in outstanding condition.
Below are the announcement, program, and a photo of the dedication ceremony supplied by Al Wolf, Veedersburg, Indiana.
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A photo of the November 11, 1927 dedication from the Fountain-Warren County Democrat.
Links:
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=7988
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM62PV_Spirt_of_the_American_Doughboy_Attica_IN
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=7988
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM62PV_Spirt_of_the_American_Doughboy_Attica_IN
