West Branch in Cedar County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Helping War Victims

— Herbert Hoover National Historic Site —

Photographed By Connor Olson, July 26, 2020

1. Helping War Victims Marker

Inscription. The Statue of Isis, Egyptian goddess of life, symbolizes Herbert Hoover's humanitarian efforts. Belgians gave Hoover the bronze statue to thank him for his help and staving off famine in their country in World War I. Hoover, a wealthy mining engineer, had given up his career to organize, without pay, a war relief organization. He persuaded German invaders and British blockaders is to allow shipments of food that fed millions of people in Belgium and northern France. After the war Hoover directed relief efforts across Europe. He devoted the rest of his life to public service.

"In her right hand she holds the lamp of life, three flames denoting the past, present and future. Her left hand carries, half hidden, the key of life."

Photo captions:
Relief recipients embroidered flower sacks and sent them as gifts to Hoover
Hoover inspects supplies for European war victims in 1921
The statue, created by Belgian sculptor Auguste Puttemans, was installed in 1939 as part of President and Mrs. Hoover's memorial landscape plans. They positioned Isis to face the Birthplace College.

Erected by National Park Service, US Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work

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• War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 41° 40.19′ N, 91° 20.807′ W. Marker is in West Branch, Iowa, in Cedar County. Marker is on South Downey Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Branch IA 52358, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. To Herbert Hoover (a few steps from this marker); Raised With Quaker Values (a few steps from this marker); Friends Meetinghouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); From Downey Street to Pennsylvania Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Herbert Hoover (within shouting distance of this marker); Forging Character (within shouting distance of this marker); A World of Opportunity (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Branch.

Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, August 17, 2023

2. Helping War Victims Marker

The marker is roughly left of center in this view.

Statue of Isis image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Connor Olson, July 26, 2020

3. Statue of Isis

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3. submitted on December 15, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.