The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
Photo: Seth Gaines, Rockville, Maryland.
OIL CITY, PENNSYLVANIA
In front of Francis B. Pritchard VFW Post 464, 2 Relief Street.
Although there is a plaque on the fence surrounding the Doughboy, there are no inscriptions or plaques on or near the Yank.
Dedicated ca. 1951. This is the only know pairing of Viquesney's WWII "Fighting Yank" with a copy of his WWI Doughboy. The sculptures appear to be well maintained.
The letter below, from Raphael Groppi Studio in Chicago, Illinois, concerns the order for Oil City's "Fighting Yank" submitted by Frederic L. Hollis, who took over Viquesney's business after his death (note the reference to "Mr. Viquesney" in the letter).
Also mentioned in the letter are the ["Spirit of] Americanism" plaque, and the "small Doughboy at rest", believed to be a reference to Viquesney's rare "Resting Doughboy".
Hollis apparently had a leftover zinc Viquesney Doughboy statue in stock, which Groppi apparently had little respect for, as they advised it could be melted down to make the newer "Yank" statue.
The letter below, from Raphael Groppi Studio in Chicago, Illinois, concerns the order for Oil City's "Fighting Yank" submitted by Frederic L. Hollis, who took over Viquesney's business after his death (note the reference to "Mr. Viquesney" in the letter).
Also mentioned in the letter are the ["Spirit of] Americanism" plaque, and the "small Doughboy at rest", believed to be a reference to Viquesney's rare "Resting Doughboy".
Hollis apparently had a leftover zinc Viquesney Doughboy statue in stock, which Groppi apparently had little respect for, as they advised it could be melted down to make the newer "Yank" statue.
Document supplied by Carol Grissom, Smithsonian Institution.
