The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
The Clarksville Doughboy at its original location in front of the old high school.
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE
N 36° 31.691 / W 87° 21.536
Copyright year unknown, stone or "marble", unsigned.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260104.
Copyright year unknown, stone or "marble", unsigned.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260104.
In front of the transit station on Legion Street. Formerly in front of the National Guard Armory, and before that, originally in front of the old Clarksville High School.
The inscription reads:
IN HONOR OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S SOLDIERS
AND SAILORS. WORLD WAR
1917 --- 1918
IN HONOR OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S SOLDIERS
AND SAILORS. WORLD WAR
1917 --- 1918
This is one of five known stone designs similar to Viquesney's Spirit of the American Doughboy but which lack the full battle gear. While there is some evidence to suggest that Viquesney might have been involved with the production of these stone statues, there is also evidence to suggest that McNeel Marble Company of Marietta, Georgia, the manufacturer, was simply making knock-offs of Viquesney's design and selling them to customers through a bait-and-switch scam (see below).
The only troubling aspect of these speculations is that Eufaula, Alabama's Doughboy was installed in 1920, according to several websites; if true, then it was there before Viquesney had completed work on his first Spirit of the American Doughboy statue in 1921 (though he did copyright the design in 1920). This might suggest it was Viquesney, then, who "borrowed" a design that McNeel had first, rather than the other way 'round.
Unfortunately, none of the five statues has a copyright, makers's mark, or signature that could help positively identify (or disprove) Viquesney as the sculptor.
The only troubling aspect of these speculations is that Eufaula, Alabama's Doughboy was installed in 1920, according to several websites; if true, then it was there before Viquesney had completed work on his first Spirit of the American Doughboy statue in 1921 (though he did copyright the design in 1920). This might suggest it was Viquesney, then, who "borrowed" a design that McNeel had first, rather than the other way 'round.
Unfortunately, none of the five statues has a copyright, makers's mark, or signature that could help positively identify (or disprove) Viquesney as the sculptor.
A CLASSIC CON?
Photo supplied by Alane S. Megna
Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.
Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.
While doing research for the restoration of the Doughboy, Alane S. Megna of the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle uncovered the photo at left, which was published in the paper on October 30, 1928, purportedly showing Clarksville citizens what their new memorial was going to look like. It's a Viquesney metal Doughboy, complete with two tree stumps, gas mask pouch, and field pack, shown mounted on the same base.
Moreover, further research by Earl Goldsmith revealed that the known Viquesney stone Doughboy at Madison, Georgia and the Clarksville, Tennessee Doughboy were both made and sold by McNeel Marble Company of Marietta, Georgia. These facts could be "smoking guns" that could tie Viquesney to the Clarksville Doughboy, or possibly McNeel Marble was simply creating its own knock-off of Viquesney's famous statue and passing it off as his work.
In whatever case, it appears McNeel sold Clarksville a "bill of goods" using a classic bait-and-switch.
Moreover, further research by Earl Goldsmith revealed that the known Viquesney stone Doughboy at Madison, Georgia and the Clarksville, Tennessee Doughboy were both made and sold by McNeel Marble Company of Marietta, Georgia. These facts could be "smoking guns" that could tie Viquesney to the Clarksville Doughboy, or possibly McNeel Marble was simply creating its own knock-off of Viquesney's famous statue and passing it off as his work.
In whatever case, it appears McNeel sold Clarksville a "bill of goods" using a classic bait-and-switch.
The statue was originally dedicated on June 9, 1929. For years it was neglected until finally restored by sculptor Scott Wise, who carved and replaced an entire new head, and cast a bronze replacement for the missing rifle. The restored sculpture was rededicated at its new location in front of the transit station on Legion Street at a ceremony which took place on April 15, 2010, with children of WWI hero Sergeant Alvin York present.
Originally advertised and sold as "Italian marble" (in 1928 the citizens of Clarksville were told they had to wait six months for the carved statue to "arrive from Italy"), an examination of a microcore sample by the local university's geology department during the 2010 restoration proved the statue to be composed of partly metamorphosed limestone of a type locally known as Alabama or Georgia "marble". Over the years, the original news articles mentioning marble seem to have been forgotten, for it was thought by some observers as late as 2009 that the statue was composed of "cast stone".
Unlike the true version of Viquesney's Doughboy, the rifle bears no original or current bayonet. The rifle was restored with a bronze casting of a 1917 Enfield, the same type of rifle that Sergeant York was issued during the World War.
Originally advertised and sold as "Italian marble" (in 1928 the citizens of Clarksville were told they had to wait six months for the carved statue to "arrive from Italy"), an examination of a microcore sample by the local university's geology department during the 2010 restoration proved the statue to be composed of partly metamorphosed limestone of a type locally known as Alabama or Georgia "marble". Over the years, the original news articles mentioning marble seem to have been forgotten, for it was thought by some observers as late as 2009 that the statue was composed of "cast stone".
Unlike the true version of Viquesney's Doughboy, the rifle bears no original or current bayonet. The rifle was restored with a bronze casting of a 1917 Enfield, the same type of rifle that Sergeant York was issued during the World War.
The Clarksville Doughboy at its new location in front of the transit station on Legion Street.
Photo supplied by Alane S. Megna, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.
Photo supplied by Alane S. Megna, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.
On the night of November 25, 2010, the left hand was broken off and the rifle taken from the newly restored statue. It was turned in to police two days later by the perpetrator, who claimed it was an accident. No charges have been filed, and the statue will be repaired.
