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www.mybaycity.com April 6, 2017
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Pershing Park Doughboy WW I Statue Redeicated

Historic Statue Outside Sage Library Ceremony Held

April 6, 2017       1 Comments
By: Stephen Kent

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World War I, the "War to End All Wars" began in 1914. On April 6, 1917, the United States formally joined Britain, France, and Russia to fight in that great war. Under the leadership of Major General John J. Pershing, more than 2 million Americans fought on European soil.

On April 6, 2017, one hundred years to the day after the US joined that great struggle, the "American Doughboy Statue" statue which has stood in Pershing Park outside of Bay City's Sage Library for over 90 years, was rededicated after being restored to last another hundred years.

The project was the idea of 15-year-old Madden Brady, recent president of MSCAR (Michigan Society Children of the American Revolution). Madden was allowed to have one project in his year as President of MSCAR and he chose the statue he had passed so often when riding with his parents.

The 93-year-old statue by John Paulding was commissioned in 1923 by the Bay County Women's Improvement Club and given to the city as a gift. It later came to be under the care of the Bay County Library system.

In the early 20's, just a few short years after the "Great War", Doughboy statues were very popular. Two sculptors made and sold the majority of these. E.M. Viquesney made the larger number of his "Spirit of the American Doughboy", but John Paulding's "Over the Top", was the first to be copyrighted.

There was quite a battle over the statues at the time. Viquesney was sued for copyright infringement in 1922. Among the claims was that Viquesney's statue was cheaper, made of stamped sheet copper while Paulding's statues were "genuine cast bronze".

It is estimated that Paulding sold around 400 copies of his statue. Visquesney may have sold 1,000. These were installed around the country.

The Paulding statue in Bay City is one of the best examples of the piece. Madden's research found that it had some minor exterior damage and oxidation but there was also some hidden internal damage to the structure. Many other Doughboys had fallen into disrepair or disappeared entirely. Bay City's statue was an ideal candidate for restoration.

Madden found a company who could restore the statue at a cost of about $5,000. It seemed like a huge amount to raise but Madden's enthusiasm overcame all obstacles and quickly achieved that amount.

With dollars in hand, Madden went for a more formal proposal and found that the total cost of transportation, restored base, and other items were on the order of $12,000. Where many people would just give up, Madden followed through. He spoke to groups all around the area. He campaigned like a soldier and ended up raising more than was needed. The statue was shipped off for the work and returned in time for Thursday's celebration.

April 6 promised to be a perfect Spring day... on the calendar. If fact, the day dawned to winter storm warnings, high winds, and flooding on the local rivers. This after an entire winter with almost no snow and record-setting high temperatures.

The date was important so the ceremony proceeded. The parking lot at Sage was packed and cars lined the streets. The main ceremony was held inside with a standing room only crowd. Extra people stood outside in the hall.

Following the Pledge, Singing of the national anthem and other songs lead by the Sweet Adelines, and short speeches by local dignitaries, Madden gave a brief history of the project then the gathered crowd followed the fife and drum into the blustery day outside for the official unveiling of the statue.

The community can be proud of this memorial and what it stands for. We can also be proud of the work of Madden Brady, a dedicated young man whose name is surely one we'll all hear again.

For more information visit www.MichiganCAR.org


A post shared by Steve Kent (@mmcctech47) on

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The room was packed for the speechs, with more people in the hall.



One of many "photo ops" following the unveiling



Madden Brady with his proud parents



Madden with Keith Markstrom of the Bay Veterans Foundation.
All smiles, even on a cold and wet day!



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moulthropbrady Says:       On April 11, 2017 at 09:56 AM
Stephen,

Thanks for the great article. One clarification: Michigan C.A.R. had an original goal of $5,000 to help with restoration. Venus Bronze Works of Detroit gave the BCLS a bid of $12,000 for a complete restoration. Michigan C.A.R. decided to go for it, and raised over $13,500.00. Pretty impressive when you realize how young the kids are.

Thank you again for the article and enjoying the ceremony.
Agree? or Disagree?


Stephen Kent

Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 40 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations.

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