Hiker Monument Spanish-American War Memorial Southbridge
Hiker Monument Spanish-American War Memorial Southbridge
Item Information
Title:
Hiker Monument Spanish-American War Memorial Southbridge
Description:
Large gathering of townsfolk for a dedication ceremony, at the Hiker Monument, on July 4th, 1923, in Southbridge. The sculpture memorializes the Spanish-American war that took place between April and August, 1898. Allen G. Newman was the sculptor. The monument is located at the corner of Hook and Hamilton streets. The following verbiage is carved into the pedestal "Erected through the efforts of Ponce Camp 21 U.S.A. and by Town Appropriation:Wilfred J. Lamoureux, G. William Laughnane, Selectmen Frank A. Sansoucy, Michael T. Morrill Co., William P. Lacroix, Alexander J. Paquin, Committee" The review stand is full of men, possibly members of the Grand Army of the Republic (Civil War Veterans), some in uniform and a few boys, looking at the bronze sculpture. A large flag of the United States is flying overhead. The onlookers are looking towards the statue standing on the plinth. The view is of the rear of the monument. The soldier is depicted weaning a uniform, a hat and carrying a gun. A curious fact about this war - Notre Dame Church, 61 Marcy Street on the corner of Main Street, - was built of white marble bricks which were originally intended as tombstones for the Spanish-American war but were not needed.
