The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
Photo provided by Jim Mitchell,
Engineering Supervisor, City of Chambersburg.
Engineering Supervisor, City of Chambersburg.
CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
N 39° 56.076 / W 077° 39.084
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260094.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260094.
In small triangular memorial area known as “East Point” at the intersection of East Queen and Lincoln Way (U. S. Highway 30).
The inscription on a plaque under the Doughboy’s left side reads:
1917 1919
THEY SHALL LIVE
FOREVER MORE
OUR
ERECTED TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THE
MEN AND WOMEN DEAD OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WORLD WAR
(followed by 91 names in three columns,
including four women who were in the nursing corps.)
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS.
THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.”
ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
1917 1919
THEY SHALL LIVE
FOREVER MORE
OUR
ERECTED TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF THE
MEN AND WOMEN DEAD OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WORLD WAR
(followed by 91 names in three columns,
including four women who were in the nursing corps.)
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS.
THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.”
ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
The memorial acquisition had its beginnings as early as March 1920 when a successful campaign was conducted to raise funds to acquire the plaque by public subscription. The original plan was to place it on a large boulder at the Franklin County Courthouse, but a state art commission rejected that plan. After considerable delay, the base shown in the above photograph was built and the Doughboy was dedicated at the current location on a rainy November 12, 1923 – Armistice (November 11) was on Sunday that year. The parade paused for a minute of silence at 11 a. m. to recognize the effective time of the armistice five years earlier. Numerous organizations, bands and speakers participated in the ceremony.
The Doughboy received a professional cleaning and sealing in the 1980s. It appears to be in good condition but could benefit from another cleaning and application of a preservative.
The Doughboy received a professional cleaning and sealing in the 1980s. It appears to be in good condition but could benefit from another cleaning and application of a preservative.
