Photo: Markesan resident Dave Zanto.
MARKESAN, WISCONSIN
N 43° 43.0205 / W 88° 59.4314
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: NO ENTRY.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: NO ENTRY.
Shown above at its old location in Hein Park (where it was recognized as a Viquesney by Markesan Mayor Rick Slate). Now in Grand River Memorial Park, in an area known as North Terrace on the grounds of Markesan Resident Home, 1130 North Margaret Street.
The sole engraving on the base reads:
ERECTED BY AUGUST F. HEIN
1946
ERECTED BY AUGUST F. HEIN
1946
Although it had been reported as a Viquesney Doughboy to T. Perry Wesley in 1991, the first photos of this “Spirit of The American Doughboy” were sent to us in 2005 when Markesan Mayor, Rick Slate, contacted us seeking information. According to Mayor Slate, the Doughboy was purchased from another community and placed in Markesan. Depending on when in 1946 it was placed, this may be the only Viquesney Doughboy placed after the sculptor's death. It's also a 1920 copyright version, which means the other community either originally bought the Doughboy before Viquesney switched to another foundry and modified his design in mid-1934, or else bought the statue from Viquesney's old foundry after mid-1934.
In 2007 the statue was moved to Grand River Memorial Park, and is now under the care of American Legion Post #282. The Doughboy was refurbished and rededicated in the summer of 2009. It appears the statue and most of its original stone base are now mounted atop a new pedestal outside the North Terrace area of the Resident Home grounds. (North Terrace is actually at the south end of the Home complex; it refers to the fact that the section of property is on the north side of town.)
Attempts to learn the identity of the community from which the Doughboy was purchased and more about August F. Hein have not been successful. Any information about them or any further information about this Doughboy would be welcome.
In 2007 the statue was moved to Grand River Memorial Park, and is now under the care of American Legion Post #282. The Doughboy was refurbished and rededicated in the summer of 2009. It appears the statue and most of its original stone base are now mounted atop a new pedestal outside the North Terrace area of the Resident Home grounds. (North Terrace is actually at the south end of the Home complex; it refers to the fact that the section of property is on the north side of town.)
Attempts to learn the identity of the community from which the Doughboy was purchased and more about August F. Hein have not been successful. Any information about them or any further information about this Doughboy would be welcome.
Links:
service-life.com (shows statue at old location at Hein Park)
service-life.com (shows statue at old location at Hein Park)
