 Photo provided by Karen Gensey, Whitehall, Pennsylvania Historical Preservation Society. |
An old postcard view of the Doughboy.
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EGYPT (WHITEHALL), PENNSYLVANIA
(Egypt is now served by the Whitehall Post Office.)
N 40° 40.749 / W 075° 31.758
Copyright version 1920, sheet bronze.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Conrol Number: 9C530004.
Copyright version 1920, sheet bronze.
Smithsonian Art Inventory Conrol Number: 9C530004.
In triangular area bounded by Church Street, Park Street on the West, and Bridge Street on the South.
The inscription on the plaque on the front of the base reads:
IN HONOR OF THE MEMBERS
OF THE
EGYPT CONGREGATIONS
AND
COMMUNITY
WHO SERVED IN THE
WORLD WAR
(followed by 73 names in two columns, 3 killed in action and 1 died in service)
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS.
THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.”
An engraved shield on the rear of the base contains an engraving that reads:
ERECTED IN 1923
IN HONOR OF
OUR BOYS
WHO SERVED IN THE
WORLD WAR
IN HONOR OF THE MEMBERS
OF THE
EGYPT CONGREGATIONS
AND
COMMUNITY
WHO SERVED IN THE
WORLD WAR
(followed by 73 names in two columns, 3 killed in action and 1 died in service)
“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS.
THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.”
An engraved shield on the rear of the base contains an engraving that reads:
ERECTED IN 1923
IN HONOR OF
OUR BOYS
WHO SERVED IN THE
WORLD WAR
The plot where the Doughboy now stands has been owned by the United Church of Christ since the 1700s. The engraved word “CONGREGATIONS” reflects the fact that their building was shared with a Lutheran congregation until 1975, at which time the Lutherans built a separate church. The plot, still cared for by the United Church of Christ, contained carriage and storage sheds until the area became a “town park” where the Doughboy was placed.
The Doughboy’s acquisition, suggested by town blacksmith, Cyrus Kuhns who died in 1926 at age 82, was financed by public subscription. It was dedicated June 10, 1923 in a ceremony that followed a parade including veterans, members of several other organizations, and school children carrying flags. The intersection where the Doughboy is located was once the convergence of Indian trails.
The Doughboy was refurbished in about 1990 under leadership of VFW Post No. 7293, which maintains the monument and places commemorative flags and decorations. While it appears to be in good condition, the bayonet has a downward tilt, the left hand has been welded at the wrist and places on the rifle sling and link would benefit from repair.
The Doughboy was refurbished in about 1990 under leadership of VFW Post No. 7293, which maintains the monument and places commemorative flags and decorations. While it appears to be in good condition, the bayonet has a downward tilt, the left hand has been welded at the wrist and places on the rifle sling and link would benefit from repair.
Links:
readingeagle.com
readingeagle.com
