From the E. M. Viquesney Doughboy Database (
visit link) :
Smithsonian Art Inventory Control Number: 47260080.
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In Veterans Park at McKinley Park Boulevard and Delaware Avenue, across the street from the President Harding Memorial.
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The plaque on the front of the base reads:
LEST WE FORGET
THOSE FROM MARION COUNTY WHO
ANSWERED THEIR COUNTRY’S CALL
IN THE WORLD WAR
APRIL 6, 1917 TO NOVEMBER 11, 1918
OUR BOYS
PLACED BY CAPTAIN WM. HENDRICKS CHAPTER D. A. R.
A plaque on the ground in front of the base contains an engraving "IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF" several named local organizations, and also contains the names of some individuals who evidently lost their lives during the war.
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The Doughboy was dedicated November 11, 1936. Before its dedication, the doughboy was first placed along Delaware Pike opposite the Harding Memorial in 1932, according to local Daughters of the American Revolution records. The primary plaque had been dedicated October 3, 1933 on a 35 ton boulder located on North Lee Street, just off of West Fairground Street. The boulder was moved to the current location on skids pulled by three trucks.
In 1966 and 1967, vandals twice tore the sculpture loose from the base, causing it to lean severely. Repairs were made each time and the Doughboy was rededicated September 10, 1967. A 50th anniversary celebration was held July 4, 1986.
A major restoration project was conducted in 1993 by Karkadoulias Bronze Art of Cincinnati, and the Doughboy was again rededicated July 4, 1993. Except for the missing rifle sling and bayonet, the sculpture appears to be in good condition.
Several veteran, patriotic, civic, youth and other organizations, particularly the D. A. R., have participated in the maintenance of the Doughboy and in dedication/rededication ceremonies through the years.
In February 2008, the statue was taken indoors for restoration by Columbus Art Memorial, Inc. It was returned to its base on May 22, 2008, in time for Memorial Day. A re-dedication ceremony was held July 4, 2008.
In 2010 the statue was again sent to Columbus for more restoration work and again returned to its base in time for Memorial Day.