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Attica in Fountain County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
 

The Spirit of the American Doughboy

 
 
The Spirit of the American Doughboy Monument Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Al Wolf, November 3, 2007
1. The Spirit of the American Doughboy Monument Marker
Bronze plaque on front of statue base.
Inscription.
Erected 1927 by
Francis M. Dodge
Wilbert M. Allen

and other citizens
in grateful recognition
of the patriotic service
rendered by
Fountain County
men and women
during the World War
1917–1918

 
Erected 1927.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & PatriotismWar, World I. In addition, it is included in the Spirit of the American Doughboy - E. M. Viquesney series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
 
Location. 40° 17.515′ N, 87° 14.981′ W. Marker is in Attica, Indiana, in Fountain County. Marker is on South Perry Street, on the left when traveling south. Doughboy statue sits in front of the Attica Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 South Perry Street, Attica IN 47918, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Attica’s Carnegie Library (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John Evans (a few steps from this marker); Italianate Style House (within shouting distance of this marker); Devon Theater (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Old Church
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(approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hotel Attica (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Attica.
 
More about this marker. Known as the “Doughboy Statue.” It is by the sculptor E. M. Viquesney (1876–1946) and is approx 7 feet high on a 7 foot base and was dedicated November 11, 1927.
 
Regarding The Spirit of the American Doughboy. It is a World War I infantryman advancing through the stumps and barbed wire of No Man’s Land. He holds a rifle in one hand and a grenade in the other.

Attica, Indiana Fountain Warren Democrat newspaper October 20, 1927:: proclaimed “The Bronze Doughboy Statue and Bronze Inscription Tablet Completed - - Work Being Pushed on Base and Pedestal. ... ... The bronze tablet bearing the inscription for the memorial arrived here Monday by express from Cincinnati, Ohio, and the committee here on Tuesday received a letter from the Doughboy sculptor stating that the bronze doughboy for the memorial will be shipped this week. ...”

Fountain Warren Democrat newspaper November 17, 1927:: “Impressive Services Characterize Unveiling”
The Spirit of the American Doughboy Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Dan Reynard, August 22, 2020
2. The Spirit of the American Doughboy Marker
a front page article tells about “A large crowd of Attica people and citizens from the surrounding country gathered in the library park... ...to pay tribute to the men and women of Fountain County who served in the World War by dedicating to their memory a large bronze statue... .

“The National Car Coupler Band (local company) marched from the down town district to the park playing a patriotic air. On reaching the (library) park they formed a circle around the memorial and played another patriotic selection while the people continued to gather.”

The memorial has been pronounced a real work of art by the area. The sculptor who visualized and designed “The Spirit Of the American Doughboy” is Ernest M. Viquesney of Spencer, Indiana. The Vaughan-Taylor Monument Co. Of Lafayette built the concrete foundation, the Bedford stone bases and pedestal on which the doughboy rests, and erected the entire memorial in the Library Park.
 
Also see . . .
1. The Inventories of American Sculpture Catalog Entry for this Marker. There are over 100 identical "The Spirit of the American Doughboy" statues around the Country. According to the entry, there exists Attica Tribune news clipping discussing dedication of memorial. (Submitted on November 17, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.) 

2. Attica, IN, Doughboy. This website also contains information on all known Viquesney Doughboys (there are about 140 of them throughout the U.S.); however the link refers only to the one at Attica, IN. (Submitted on December 2, 2007, by Les Kopel of Oxnard, California.)
Another View from the back. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Al Wolf, May 25, 2008
3. Another View from the back.
 

3. "The History behind the Doughboy" ::. (Courtesy:: Karen Gardnerl in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Area Historical Society publication.) Originally published in 1991 this link gives a good history and other links - well worth the search and read. (Submitted on May 22, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.) 

4. Who are "Doughboy" Searchers??::. This web site gives more detailed history, photos, and items. Also examples of other Viquesney works of Historical Art. (Submitted on May 23, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.) 
 
Additional keywords. Military Service Fountain County Indiana
 
Back View of the Doughboy. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Al Wolf, May 25, 2008
4. Back View of the Doughboy.
Nov. 11, 1927 - - Unveiling of Doughboy Statue. image. Click for full size.
circa 1927
5. Nov. 11, 1927 - - Unveiling of Doughboy Statue.
People came by the car loads for the biggest event that year in Attica. The public felt the deep need to honor those who served in the military and who gave their lives to secure the blessings of liberty.
Announcing Memorial Event image. Click for full size.
Courtesy of the Fountain Warren Democrat, November 10, 1927
6. Announcing Memorial Event
Program of Events image. Click for full size.
Courtesy of the Fountain Warren Democrat, November 10, 1927
7. Program of Events
Water Fountain by the Doughboy Statue. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Al Wolf, May 25, 2008
8. Water Fountain by the Doughboy Statue.
National Car Coupler Band<br> (Harrison Steel - Attica, Indiana) image. Click for full size.
Courtesy:: Fountain County Historical Society, circa 1910
9. National Car Coupler Band
(Harrison Steel - Attica, Indiana)
(Courtesy:: Fountain County Historical Society) "In 1910... ...was organized and this picture was taken. They played at the baseball games held in the ball park, gave concerts, and were usually there for all special occasions."
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2007, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 5,570 times since then and 4 times this year. Last updated on May 29, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. Photos:   1. submitted on November 16, 2007, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.   2. submitted on May 17, 2022, by Dan Reynard of Bellevue, Wisconsin.   3, 4, 5. submitted on May 26, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.   6, 7. submitted on May 29, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.   8. submitted on May 26, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.   9. submitted on June 19, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 19, 2024