The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
An old postcard view of the Lincoln Park Doughboy on its simple mound setting.
CHICAGO (LINCOLN PARK), ILLINOIS
Formerly near N 41º 56.325 / W 87º 38.255
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Control Number: 47260020.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Control Number: 47260020.
Formerly standing near the northwestern end of Diversey Golf Course, east of intersection of West Briar Place and North Lake Shore Drive. It's not known what was on the plaque, which was said to have been moved to another WWI memorial located in an area known as the Village Park in Forest Park, Illinois.
The statue was dedicated by the Kiwanis Clubs of Chicago. It was erected through the efforts of all Chicago Kiwanis Clubs and dedicated on Armistice Day in 1927. More than 3,000 Kiwanians, and members of the National Guard and high school R. O. T. C. took part in the unveiling cermonies. Each Kiwanian of the 19 Kiwanis Clubs in Chicago at that time conributed $1.00 through his club to make this gift possible. It was presented in a fitting tribute to the men and women who took part in the World War. The idea was conceived by Dr. Thomas A. Carter, immediate past president at that time of the Chicago Kiwanis Club. At the dedication, Col. Clarence S. Chamberlain, Atlantic flier, spoke on the influence that the war had on aviation; Fraulein Rasche, noted German Aviatrix also spoke, and Senator James Hamilton Lewis, the principal speaker, spoke of the Doughboy work in France.
Unfortunately this Doughboy no longer exists, and no information has been located indicating what happened to it. Pictures of this Doughboy appeared in many forms, including postcards (above) and Viquesney brochures. The photo shown directly below was taken by the grandfather of Kenneth Berchem-Nigg in 1929. He circled the damage that had already occurred to the bayonet, gun barrel, and sling in only two years. By 1937 most of the rifle had been broken off.
Unfortunately this Doughboy no longer exists, and no information has been located indicating what happened to it. Pictures of this Doughboy appeared in many forms, including postcards (above) and Viquesney brochures. The photo shown directly below was taken by the grandfather of Kenneth Berchem-Nigg in 1929. He circled the damage that had already occurred to the bayonet, gun barrel, and sling in only two years. By 1937 most of the rifle had been broken off.
Photo provided by Kenneth Berchem-Nigg.
Below: By 1945, the sculpture was further vandalized, with the face smashed in and the right arm torn off. As a result, the statue was finally removed by the City of Chicago around 1946. Any information as to what happened to it after it was removed, or what was on the plaque (seen in the postcard view at the top of the page) would be welcome.
 |  Photos: eBay. |
Two photos taken March 30, 1945 show the damage to the Doughboy from vandalism. A newspaper article of the time blamed "pacifists" for the damage.
