The E. M. Viquesney "Spirit of the American Doughboy" Database
Left: Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson’s Spanish-American War memorial sculpture, ''The Hiker''.
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS
N 33° 54.565 / W 98° 29.9422
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260114.
Copyright version 1920, pressed copper.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260114.
On lawn of Memorial Auditorium, 1300 7th Street, near corner of 7th and Bluff Street.
The plaque inscription on the front of the Doughboy base reads:
ERECTED BY
PAT CARRICAN POST
NUMBER 120
AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS
IN MEMORY OF
WORLD WAR
VETERANS
1917-1918
ERECTED BY
PAT CARRICAN POST
NUMBER 120
AMERICAN LEGION
DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS
IN MEMORY OF
WORLD WAR
VETERANS
1917-1918
A plaque inscription on the back of the base lists post officers and committee members.
The Auditorium, the Doughboy and “The Hiker” (Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson’s Spanish-American War memorial sculpture, above, left), were all dedicated May 27, 1928 in a ceremony attended by several thousand. The dedication remarks for the Doughboy were by Alvin Owsly, a Texan who had been a World War Private and was later the 1923-1924 American Legion National Commander.
The Doughboy’s rifle sling and bayonet are missing, and the sculpture is in need of treatment. The left hand and rifle have been poorly restored (see the Panoramio.com link below).
The Doughboy’s rifle sling and bayonet are missing, and the sculpture is in need of treatment. The left hand and rifle have been poorly restored (see the Panoramio.com link below).
