A modest crowd gathered in front of the Morton Grove Public Library to witness the rededication of one the village’s iconic statues following its restoration.
The Morton Grove Historical Society, in collaboration with other partners, completed renovation of the “Doughboy” statue, which is a WWI monument. Speakers included elected officials.
“Doughboy is an icon,” said Morton Grove Village President Dan DiMaria. “It sums up what a community should be doing for the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
The statue, which is named for a term used to describe WWI soldiers, has been at its original Lincoln Avenue location since the day it was installed, and predates the library which was built near the site in 1952.
The statue was dedicated with a ceremony on July 31, 1921 and has been the center of Memorial Day and Veterans Day (and formerly Armistice Day) ceremonies.
It was created by architect and sculptor Hugh A. Price and installed by contractors Hanamann, Landeck and Co. of Niles Center in Skokie. The names of all 43 men from Morton Grove who served in WWI are listed with it.
The Doughboy monument is registered with the World War 1 Centennial Commission, officials explained.
Official said inspection of the statue indicated repairs were needed for granite, stone, bronze and concrete restoration. Restoration costs were just under $13,000, according to officials.
Other political leaders spoke at the ceremony Sunday, as air temperatures topped 90 degrees.
“I think today we’re here to honor those who served our nation and I think this is a monument to record our history and remember those who fought,” said U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Illinois.
Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, D-13th District, said the statue pays tribute to all military service personnel.
“I view it (Doughboy) as a sentry who is watching over to protect us,” said Suffredin, who said his grandfather served in World War I. “What we need to remind people is that military service to this country is a good thing, it’s not a bad thing.”
The term “Doughboy,” has other meanings said Mark Matz, who has served as president of the Morton Grove Historical Society for two years.
“One (story) goes back to the Mexican-American War of 1848 when soldiers in blue uniforms marched through dusty terrain,” he said. “Their tunics were covered with light dust that looked like flour or adobe bricks (akin to dough).
He said the term stuck until “G.I.” (usually for “government issued”) replaced it starting with World War II.
Morton Grove civic and park district leader Paul Minx recalled the earlier days of the Doughboy statue in the village.
“I love the Doughboy, I remember this when I was a little kid,” said Minx, who is chairman of Morton Grove Days
Immediately after the ceremony, the Morton Grove Historical Society showcased its exhibit entitled “Illinois and Morton Grove in The Great War – What Happened Before the Doughboy Arrived” at a reception at the John and Mary Helen Slater Education Center along Harrer Park.
The exhibit opened at the museum after Labor Day and runs through Thanksgiving week.
Matz said local fundraising efforts for the restoration began more than one year ago after getting the bids to do the work.
The Morton Grove Days Commission, the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 134 and the Morton Grove Post 134: Sons of the American Legion were major funds contributors along with the Morton Grove Foundation, Morton Grove Fire personnel and the American Legion Post 134 and individual donors, Matz said.
Nancy Lanning of Morton Grove saluted the Doughboy shortly after a wreath was placed at the end of Sunday’s rededication.
“It’s an honor, they gave their lives,” Lanning said. “We might not be here today.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
