An old postcard view of the Lincoln Park Doughboy on its simple earth 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.
The plaque once read:
IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF THE
PATRIOTIC SERVICE RENDERED BY
THE MEN AND WOMEN OF CHICAGO
DURING THE WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
---
KIWANIS CLUBS OF CHICAGO
IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF THE
PATRIOTIC SERVICE RENDERED BY
THE MEN AND WOMEN OF CHICAGO
DURING THE WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
---
KIWANIS CLUBS OF CHICAGO
Our thanks to Andrew Schneider of Chicago for providing the information that was once on the plaque.
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 after it was taken down in 1946. Pictures of this Doughboy appeared in many forms, including postcards (above) and Viquesney brochures. The photo shown 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 after it was taken down in 1946. Pictures of this Doughboy appeared in many forms, including postcards (above) and Viquesney brochures. The photo shown 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.
In 1945, the sculpture was further vandalized, with the face smashed in and the right arm torn off. A newspaper article of the time blamed "pacifists" for the damage. As a result, the statue was removed by the Kiwanis Club in 1946 and apparently placed in storage somewhere. Any information as to what happened to it after it was removed would be welcome.
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 Photos: eBay. |
