The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
Photo provided by Mary Hamm, Oglebay Foundation.
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA
N 40° 03.480 / W 080° 40.311
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260127.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260127.
Inside the Bertchy Gate entrance to Wheeling Park, on West Wheeling Park Drive, about 300 feet from its exit off National Road (U.S. 40), just south of Kriegers Lane (the park's actual street address, 1801 National Road, lies farther south, past Wheeling Park Drive, which also exits onto the highway and forms a loop with West Wheeling Park Drive).
The inscriptions on the lower sides of the cenotaph read:
On the left:
ERECTED BY
WHEELING CHAPTER
NO. 1
SERVICE STAR LEGION
1931
On the right:
TO HONOR
OF ALL
WHO SERVED
IN WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
On the left:
ERECTED BY
WHEELING CHAPTER
NO. 1
SERVICE STAR LEGION
1931
On the right:
TO HONOR
OF ALL
WHO SERVED
IN WORLD WAR
1917 - 1918
An American flag is engraved behind the Doughboy on the center of the monument.
The Doughboy was dedicated November 11, 1931.
As can be seen in the photograph, the rifle (except for a piece within the left hand) and bayonet are missing – and have been missing since before 1950. The concrete near the base is cracked and one end of the base has settled about two inches.
The Doughboy is stained and could benefit from cleaning and restoration.
A movie featuring the Wheeling Doughboy will be released nationwide in early 2012.
As can be seen in the photograph, the rifle (except for a piece within the left hand) and bayonet are missing – and have been missing since before 1950. The concrete near the base is cracked and one end of the base has settled about two inches.
The Doughboy is stained and could benefit from cleaning and restoration.
A movie featuring the Wheeling Doughboy will be released nationwide in early 2012.
