The Spirt of the American Doughboy

The Spirt of the American Doughboy. . , The "Spirt of the American Doughboy" a popular war memorial created by sculptor E. M. Vaquestes was erected in Columbia in 1924 and stands today in American Legion Park. This American World War soldier can be found in 31 states. Standing seven feet tall, the doughboy is an accurately modeled soldier complete with rille, bayonet, hand grenade and bob-nailed boots, who is depicted with barbed wire about his feet as he moves into battle. Cast in a metal alloy and finished in bronze, the statues were marketed by Visquesney as a permanent work of art that will withstand the test of time and perpetuate as in no other way the memory of your country's veterans, as stated in a newsletter to potential buyers. , The Columbia doughboy has led a rugged existence, having been moved twice to make way for construction projects and targeted by vandals on other occasions. It used to have a bayonet, but that disappeared as recalled by Columbia Legionnaire Joseph Schroeder, and the shells disappeared before it was moved to Legion Park. The arm has been broken off and it was patched with sheet metal screws. The rifle was also stolen, but was later found and returned to the statue. , The doughboy was purchased and erected on the corner of what is now Main Street and Legion Avenue, formerly Schoening Street in 1924. This was done immediately after Columbia Post 581 was organized. The $2,500 cost of the monument, base and flagpole was raised through donations and several fund raisers, including one in which everyone in the community was asked to donate $1.00 in return for a vote in the selection of the site., Historical Society , The memorial was dedicated during the 1924 Memorial Day observance ceremony. The address at that time was given by Mayor Albert Metter, and a presentation address was given by Fred G. Rapp.