George Washington Monument History
Below you will find a collection of articles transcribed from The Daily Northwestern detailing the history and relocation of the George Washington monument currently located in the triangle bordered by Hazel Street, East New York Avenue, and Menominee Drive.
Special thanks to neighbor Lynette Strasser for her research, the Oshkosh Public Library for their help and neighbor Polly Kimball for transcribing the articles.
Special thanks to neighbor Lynette Strasser for her research, the Oshkosh Public Library for their help and neighbor Polly Kimball for transcribing the articles.
Early History of the Monument to George Washington
One of the finest art treasures of which this city has reason to be proud is a monument to “the Father of his Country,” situated near the bank of the inner lagoon at Menominee Park. Although it is smaller and less prominently displayed than the statue of Chief Oshkosh at that park, it is no less valuable in the city’s splendid collection, and shares honors with the Indian chief in giving the public grounds at the lake shore special historical and educational interest. The statue of the first great American is a bronze replica of the original white marble statue of Washington made by the noted French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon, for the State of Virginia, and which has stood in the statehouse at Richmond for more than a hundred years. Houdon studied Washington at close range after the close of the Revolutionary War, and his work has been accepted by artists as the most perfect delineation of the first President of the United States that was ever made. Another replica of the Houdon statue of Washington was unveiled August 18, 1910, at the palace of Versailles, France. The one presented to Oshkosh was the gift of Col. John Hicks, and it was unveiled Tuesday afternoon, August 15, 1911.
Exercises of dedication were in charge of the Oshkosh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, its committee on arrangements consisting of Mrs. George F. Gilkey, chairman, Mrs. F. H. Josslyn, Miss Jane Moody, Miss Helen Crary and Miss Mary Kennedy. This committee worked with a committee of the Common Council, consisting of Aldermen M.T. Battis, D.C. Pinkerton, Henry Hagene, Henry R. Juedes, H.F. Kitz and Charles H. Krippene, in planning the details of unveiling. Formal presentation in behalf of the donor was made by Mrs., F. C. Stewart, Regent of the Oshkosh D.A.R. Chapter. The address of acceptance was delivered by Mayor John Banderob. Miss Charlotte Chase, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Chase and granddaughter of the late Mrs. Edgar P. Sawyer, founder of the Oshkosh Chapter of the D.A.R. pulled the cord which brought the monument forth from the concealing folds of cloth. The address of the occasion, “Washington,” was delivered by Miss Mary Kennedy. A poem by Eliza Cook, which paid a beautiful tribute to the Revolutionary leader, was read by Mrs. R.M. Burtis. A fife and drum corps and a guard of members of Companies B and F of the Wisconsin National Guard gave a military atmosphere to the event. The invocation was offered by Mrs. A.H. Bartlett, Chaplain of the D.A.R. Chapter. A reception at the Yacht Club in the evening, in honor of the donor, and given by the D.A.R. was a feature.
The Oshkosh statue of Washington is of life size. It represents him in the uniform of a general of the Continental Army. He stands bareheaded, his right hand resting on a cane and his left upon a pillar representing the Roman fasces, a collection of rods surmounted by an axe, symbol of power. Near the fasces, is the general’s sword in its scabbard, and back of him are a plowshare and other implements of war and peace. The base of the monument is of rose colored granite from Salisbury, N.C. and this pedestal was designed and cut by H.F. Wenrich of Oshkosh. The cost was $5,000.
The Oshkosh statue of Washington is of life size. It represents him in the uniform of a general of the Continental Army. He stands bareheaded, his right hand resting on a cane and his left upon a pillar representing the Roman fasces, a collection of rods surmounted by an axe, symbol of power. Near the fasces, is the general’s sword in its scabbard, and back of him are a plowshare and other implements of war and peace. The base of the monument is of rose colored granite from Salisbury, N.C. and this pedestal was designed and cut by H.F. Wenrich of Oshkosh. The cost was $5,000.
Preliminary Talks about Washington Monument Relocation c. 1950
Comment at a recent park board meeting, concerning the site of the monument to George Washington in Menominee park, has served to revive public interest in this excellent art treasure, which was given to the city by the late Colonel John Hicks in 1911.
Charles F. Nolan, president of the park board, suggested that something should be done to alleviate the drabness of the surroundings so as to attract greater attention to this monument. He mentioned a planting of evergreens as a background for the statue.
This comment brought forth the suggestion that the vicinity of the park flag pole and flower gardens might be a more attractive setting for the bronze statue to “the father of his country.”
A bit of research in the files of the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern of 1911 reveals the location of the monument was somewhat different in those days than it is now. The Linde Avenue entrance was then the main entrance to the park. Incidentally, it will again be the main entrance when the park board completes its present plan to close off the Lake boulevard entrance.
The reporter describing the dedication ceremony that took place Aug. 15, 1911, said: “As one enters the park through this vine-arched gateway (Linde Avenue entrance) his eye encounters there in the midst of young hardwood trees, the likeness of “the father of his country.’”
He went on to say that “these young trees are a beautiful part of the statue’s setting” and pictures the intended scene in later years with these trees “towering above the head of the great colonial leader, dignifying the scene as do great erect columns of classic buildings.”
It is evident, from his word picture describing the beauties of the background formed by the “artificial lake” or inner lagoon, that the high wire fence enclosing the duck pond, into which the lagoon has since been converted, was not in existence that midsummer afternoon.
His comment regarding the proximity of the statue to the children’s playground is significant. He concludes with these paragraphs:
”Perhaps those citizens who selected the site for the statue did not have the thought at all, but the Washington statue is not far from the section of the park where young people are free to play their games, and where it is steadfastly hoped by many public spirited citizens a great playground establishment will sometime be built.
“What is the significance of this? And where does it apply to the statue?
“When the children and no less grown persons, pass the statue of Washington and look upon the noble Virginian, the great man who is most often pictured on bended knee saying farewell to the mother whom he truly worshipped – then will the influence of Washington be felt.
“And when the influence of the man is exerted upon the rising generation, his statue will achieve the greatest success which is possible in art.”
Charles F. Nolan, president of the park board, suggested that something should be done to alleviate the drabness of the surroundings so as to attract greater attention to this monument. He mentioned a planting of evergreens as a background for the statue.
This comment brought forth the suggestion that the vicinity of the park flag pole and flower gardens might be a more attractive setting for the bronze statue to “the father of his country.”
A bit of research in the files of the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern of 1911 reveals the location of the monument was somewhat different in those days than it is now. The Linde Avenue entrance was then the main entrance to the park. Incidentally, it will again be the main entrance when the park board completes its present plan to close off the Lake boulevard entrance.
The reporter describing the dedication ceremony that took place Aug. 15, 1911, said: “As one enters the park through this vine-arched gateway (Linde Avenue entrance) his eye encounters there in the midst of young hardwood trees, the likeness of “the father of his country.’”
He went on to say that “these young trees are a beautiful part of the statue’s setting” and pictures the intended scene in later years with these trees “towering above the head of the great colonial leader, dignifying the scene as do great erect columns of classic buildings.”
It is evident, from his word picture describing the beauties of the background formed by the “artificial lake” or inner lagoon, that the high wire fence enclosing the duck pond, into which the lagoon has since been converted, was not in existence that midsummer afternoon.
His comment regarding the proximity of the statue to the children’s playground is significant. He concludes with these paragraphs:
”Perhaps those citizens who selected the site for the statue did not have the thought at all, but the Washington statue is not far from the section of the park where young people are free to play their games, and where it is steadfastly hoped by many public spirited citizens a great playground establishment will sometime be built.
“What is the significance of this? And where does it apply to the statue?
“When the children and no less grown persons, pass the statue of Washington and look upon the noble Virginian, the great man who is most often pictured on bended knee saying farewell to the mother whom he truly worshipped – then will the influence of Washington be felt.
“And when the influence of the man is exerted upon the rising generation, his statue will achieve the greatest success which is possible in art.”
Poor Placement for Monument August 11, 1951
We can well agree with a reader of the Northwestern who greatly admires and appreciates the numerous monumental works donated to this city by the late Colonel John Hicks, pioneer publisher and editor of this newspaper, that the spot in Menominee park where a life-sized statue of our first United States president, George Washington, is no longer suitable.
The reader makes the statement: “Now that Menominee park is having its ‘face lifted,’ why not do the job right? Remove George Washington from the vicinity of the park ‘zoo,’ near the stone bridge at the juncture of the two lagoons, and place it at the foot of Merritt Street.”
It does seem to us that the location of the Washington monument is not ideal and a better place could be found for it. But whether the foot of Merritt Street is the most satisfactory site is a question needing study and thought. Probably the reader is influenced in making that selection by the fact that the Carl Schurz monument is advantageously located at the foot of Washington Boulevard, at the lake front.
The Washington statue is of bronze and is smaller and less prominently displayed that the bronze statue if Chief Oshkosh. It is shaded too much by trees and does not show forth as plainly and prominently as the representations of Chief Oshkosh and Wisconsin Statesman Schurz.
The fact is that the monument to the father of his country and our first president of the republic is a valuable and accurate replica of the original white marble statue of Washington made by the famous French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon, for the state of Virginia. The original has been displayed in the statehouse at Richmond, Virginia, for more than 130 years.
Houdon studied Washington at close range after the close of the Revolutionary war, and his work has been accepted by artists as among the most perfect delineations of the great American patriot that were ever made. Another replica of the Houdon statue of Washington was unveiled in 1910 in the Palace of Versailles, France. The one given to Oshkosh by Colonel Hicks was unveiled Aug. 15, 1911. The exercises of dedication were in charge of the Oshkosh chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The statue represents Washington in the uniform of a general in the Continental army. He stands bareheaded, his right hand resting on a cane and his left hand on a pillar representing the Roman fasces, a symbol of power. Near the fasces is the general’s sword in its scabbard, and back of him are a plowshare and other implements of war and peace.
The reader makes the statement: “Now that Menominee park is having its ‘face lifted,’ why not do the job right? Remove George Washington from the vicinity of the park ‘zoo,’ near the stone bridge at the juncture of the two lagoons, and place it at the foot of Merritt Street.”
It does seem to us that the location of the Washington monument is not ideal and a better place could be found for it. But whether the foot of Merritt Street is the most satisfactory site is a question needing study and thought. Probably the reader is influenced in making that selection by the fact that the Carl Schurz monument is advantageously located at the foot of Washington Boulevard, at the lake front.
The Washington statue is of bronze and is smaller and less prominently displayed that the bronze statue if Chief Oshkosh. It is shaded too much by trees and does not show forth as plainly and prominently as the representations of Chief Oshkosh and Wisconsin Statesman Schurz.
The fact is that the monument to the father of his country and our first president of the republic is a valuable and accurate replica of the original white marble statue of Washington made by the famous French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon, for the state of Virginia. The original has been displayed in the statehouse at Richmond, Virginia, for more than 130 years.
Houdon studied Washington at close range after the close of the Revolutionary war, and his work has been accepted by artists as among the most perfect delineations of the great American patriot that were ever made. Another replica of the Houdon statue of Washington was unveiled in 1910 in the Palace of Versailles, France. The one given to Oshkosh by Colonel Hicks was unveiled Aug. 15, 1911. The exercises of dedication were in charge of the Oshkosh chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The statue represents Washington in the uniform of a general in the Continental army. He stands bareheaded, his right hand resting on a cane and his left hand on a pillar representing the Roman fasces, a symbol of power. Near the fasces is the general’s sword in its scabbard, and back of him are a plowshare and other implements of war and peace.
New Location Proposed February 25, 1955
We present this idea for what it is worth and without taking a decided stand on the matter, ourselves:
A subscriber to the Northwestern telephones a suggestion, for consideration of the park board (board of public works) that might bring new renown to a great American, known throughout the land as the father of his country. He stated: “Why not promote our statue of George Washington “Father of Our Country,” from the monkey environment in Menominee Park to the newly created triangle of land at the road junction of East New York Avenue, Hazel Street, and Lake Boulevard at the north end of the Menominee Park addition?”
Incidentally, the thought has some merit for the reason that the present site of the monument to Washington, at a spot in the park near the stone bridge over the two lagoons, is rather obscure and deeply and darkly shaded by trees. As a result the monument to the Revolutionary War hero and First President is not easily viewed from passing motor vehicles or by park visitors on foot.
In fact, years ago, in these columns, the idea was expressed that so valuable and historic a piece of art should have been given a more conspicuous and brighter environment.
The statue of Washington referred to is one of the finest art treasure presented to this city by the late Colonel John Hicks, early publisher and editor of this newspaper. He bestowed upon the community a great number of splendid works of art, all of special importance from a historical standpoint, and of high value for perpetual preservation and public interest.
The statue of Washington is of life size, in bronze, and it stands on a substantial and beautiful base of rose colored granite, mined in Salisbury, North Carolina. The bronze is a replica of the original white marble statue of the great American created by the noted French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon, for the state of Virginia, and which has stood in the statehouse at Richmond for more than 36 years. Houdon studied Washington at close range after the end of the Revolutionary War, and his work is accepted by artists as the most perfect delineation of the first President of the United States that ever was made. The dedication of the statue was on August 15, 1911, with the exercises in charge of the Oshkosh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A subscriber to the Northwestern telephones a suggestion, for consideration of the park board (board of public works) that might bring new renown to a great American, known throughout the land as the father of his country. He stated: “Why not promote our statue of George Washington “Father of Our Country,” from the monkey environment in Menominee Park to the newly created triangle of land at the road junction of East New York Avenue, Hazel Street, and Lake Boulevard at the north end of the Menominee Park addition?”
Incidentally, the thought has some merit for the reason that the present site of the monument to Washington, at a spot in the park near the stone bridge over the two lagoons, is rather obscure and deeply and darkly shaded by trees. As a result the monument to the Revolutionary War hero and First President is not easily viewed from passing motor vehicles or by park visitors on foot.
In fact, years ago, in these columns, the idea was expressed that so valuable and historic a piece of art should have been given a more conspicuous and brighter environment.
The statue of Washington referred to is one of the finest art treasure presented to this city by the late Colonel John Hicks, early publisher and editor of this newspaper. He bestowed upon the community a great number of splendid works of art, all of special importance from a historical standpoint, and of high value for perpetual preservation and public interest.
The statue of Washington is of life size, in bronze, and it stands on a substantial and beautiful base of rose colored granite, mined in Salisbury, North Carolina. The bronze is a replica of the original white marble statue of the great American created by the noted French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon, for the state of Virginia, and which has stood in the statehouse at Richmond for more than 36 years. Houdon studied Washington at close range after the end of the Revolutionary War, and his work is accepted by artists as the most perfect delineation of the first President of the United States that ever was made. The dedication of the statue was on August 15, 1911, with the exercises in charge of the Oshkosh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Proposed Location Site and 1955 Site March 3, 1955
DAR Finances Relocation of Washington Monument July 28, 1956
Park board members were quick to accept, Friday evening, an offer from the Daughters of the American Revolution to relocate the Menominee Park monument to George Washington.
Plans are to move the bronze statue and its rose granite base to a triangular plot at Hazel Street, East New York Avenue and Lake Boulevard. A gift to the city from the late Colonel John Hicks, the statue has stood near the inner lagoon of the park since August 15, 1911. Park development has since located a zoo on the banks of the lagoon. Maturing trees have nearly obscured the art work which is a replica of an original white marble statue of Washington by the noted French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon.
The original is in the statehouse at Richmond, Virginia. Another replica was unveiled in 1910 at the palace of Versailles, France.
Park commissioners were quick to praise the DAR for their proffered assistance in relocating the George Washington memorial.
“Many Oshkosh people and organizations could be of genuine service to their city through gifts to its parks,” Comm. Clarence Goerlitz pointed out. He urged the park board to publicize the idea of gifts to city parks.
Band Shell Needed
“If somebody else in the city was kind enough to donate funds for a band shell it would be a fine memorial,” he commented. He said service clubs and other groups might be interested in aiding to beautify and develop the parks through special gifts.
Mayor Ernest R. Siewert made the proposal to the board for Mrs. R.C. Brown, Oshkosh DAR Chapter regent. He said the group will provide a concrete base and flag pole in addition to moving the statue. Comm. James E. Botts and Nick Jasperson, park superintendent, were detailed to work with the group.
Park commissioners said lack of funds had delayed moving the statue following earlier requests. Late summer recreation, plans for winter teenager activities, and golf course improvements were discussed by the park board last night.
Plans are to move the bronze statue and its rose granite base to a triangular plot at Hazel Street, East New York Avenue and Lake Boulevard. A gift to the city from the late Colonel John Hicks, the statue has stood near the inner lagoon of the park since August 15, 1911. Park development has since located a zoo on the banks of the lagoon. Maturing trees have nearly obscured the art work which is a replica of an original white marble statue of Washington by the noted French sculptor, Jean Antoine Houdon.
The original is in the statehouse at Richmond, Virginia. Another replica was unveiled in 1910 at the palace of Versailles, France.
Park commissioners were quick to praise the DAR for their proffered assistance in relocating the George Washington memorial.
“Many Oshkosh people and organizations could be of genuine service to their city through gifts to its parks,” Comm. Clarence Goerlitz pointed out. He urged the park board to publicize the idea of gifts to city parks.
Band Shell Needed
“If somebody else in the city was kind enough to donate funds for a band shell it would be a fine memorial,” he commented. He said service clubs and other groups might be interested in aiding to beautify and develop the parks through special gifts.
Mayor Ernest R. Siewert made the proposal to the board for Mrs. R.C. Brown, Oshkosh DAR Chapter regent. He said the group will provide a concrete base and flag pole in addition to moving the statue. Comm. James E. Botts and Nick Jasperson, park superintendent, were detailed to work with the group.
Park commissioners said lack of funds had delayed moving the statue following earlier requests. Late summer recreation, plans for winter teenager activities, and golf course improvements were discussed by the park board last night.
Plans for Rededication of Monument at its New Location June 28, 1957
July 4 has been officially declared Governor’s Day in Oshkosh by proclamation of Council President Charles J. Fiss as a prelude to the biggest and best traditional Independence Day observance ever planned by the city.
Gov. Vernon W. Thomson will make three public addresses that day in Oshkosh, bringing with him Mrs. Thomson and their two daughters for a family outing. As a fitting climax to Frontier Days Governor’s Day will bring softball tournament finals, a boat and industry show, and a giant fireworks exhibition.
Council President Fiss said the governor’s appearance here will afford an opportunity for everyone to see and hear the state’s top executive.
Also scheduled for July 4 are two dedicatory services at monuments in Menominee Park. Governor Thomson will be guest speaker at both.
Independence Day in Oshkosh will begin with dedication of a marker in Menominee Park, commemorating the work of the late Mayor E. E. Stevens during whose administration Menominee Park was established. The marker is located at the park entrance off Linde Avenue and will be the scene at 10:10 a.m. of dedicatory services.
Governor Thomson will speak briefly before moving on to the relocated George Washington monument at Hazel Street and Lake Boulevard.
City officials and other will greet the governor’s party at the American Legion Club about 9 o’clock on the morning of July 4. With a bomb salute, a parade will form at the club to the music of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Band for the march to the Linde Avenue entrance. Reserve units, National Guard, veterans’ groups, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls have been invited to join the parade.
Will Introduce Donor
Dr. Paul C. Whyte, president of the Swim Pool Corporation, will serve as master of ceremonies for the marker dedication. He will introduce Mrs. Joseph H. Kilp of Chicago, daughter of Mayor Stevens and donor of the handsome memorial. Gov. Thomson will be introduced by Marshall Muscavitch, president of the city park board.
With Joseph Perzentka as marshall, the parade will then reform and march to the George Washington monument for rededication services by the Daughters of the American Revolution and a second address by the governor.
Presented to the city by the late Col. John Hicks, the statue of the Father of His Country was first dedicated in 1911 with exercises in charge of the Oshkosh Chapter DAR. That history will be repeated here July 4. The statue was originally located near the park lagoon and moved by citizens last year to its present and more suitable location.
The 10:30 program will begin with singing of the National Anthem. Dr. James A. Daum, minister of First Presbyterian Church, will pronounce the invocation.
An American flag to fly above the monument will be presented by Mrs. William Rasmussen to the Oshkosh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Arthur Devine, DAR regent, will accept the gift which will then be raised by Camp Fire Girl Mary Maxwell and Boy Scout Michael Dougherty. The audience will then repeat the pledge of allegiance led by Mrs. Harry S. Mallery.
Mrs. Austin Hayward of Fond du Lac, state DAR regent, will introduce Gov. Thomson for a patriotic address. The service will conclude with a benediction by the Rev. William J. Spicer of Trinity Episcopal Church and the singing of “God Bless America” by the audience. Music and accompaniment will be by the VFW Band.
Guests of Honor
Guests of honor at the rededication will be a number of people who contributed time, labor, and money toward relocating the statue. They are Dr. F. Gregory Connell, Street Supt. William Hubbard, C.R. Meyer Construction Company officials, Martin Segor, Rufus C. Brown, Park Supt. Nick Jasperson, William Rasmussen, Ben Gunz, G. J. Reinke, President Marshall Muscavitch and other members of the park board.
The governor’s final public appearance will be at the National Invitational Softball Tournament where he will deliver a major address of the day at 2:30 p.m. An Air Corps squadron of jet planes is scheduled to salute the governor and the city, flying from Truax Field to pass over the ball park. Earl King, general July 4 celebrations chairman, will be master of ceremonies at the ball park. Council President Fiss will introduce the governor as the band plays “On Wisconsin.” A half hour band concert, beginning at 2 o’clock, will open the program and include the Canadian national anthem in recognition of the Kiewel Brewery team, visitors from across the border.
Four softball games are scheduled for afternoon play, beginning at 1 o’clock. The tournament will wind up in the evening with championship play beginning at 7 p.m.
Gov. Thomson and his family will be entertained throughout the remainder of the day and evening by Oshkosh friends and county Republican leaders. They are expected to visit the boat and industry show at Menominee Park among other activities.
Fitting climax to the best holiday of summer will be the city’s fireworks exhibition to be fired at Menominee Park about 9:30 p.m. A show which annually brings thousands to the park, this year’s collection of color, fire and noise is expected to rival those of other years. Arrangements are in charge of the park board.
Gov. Vernon W. Thomson will make three public addresses that day in Oshkosh, bringing with him Mrs. Thomson and their two daughters for a family outing. As a fitting climax to Frontier Days Governor’s Day will bring softball tournament finals, a boat and industry show, and a giant fireworks exhibition.
Council President Fiss said the governor’s appearance here will afford an opportunity for everyone to see and hear the state’s top executive.
Also scheduled for July 4 are two dedicatory services at monuments in Menominee Park. Governor Thomson will be guest speaker at both.
Independence Day in Oshkosh will begin with dedication of a marker in Menominee Park, commemorating the work of the late Mayor E. E. Stevens during whose administration Menominee Park was established. The marker is located at the park entrance off Linde Avenue and will be the scene at 10:10 a.m. of dedicatory services.
Governor Thomson will speak briefly before moving on to the relocated George Washington monument at Hazel Street and Lake Boulevard.
City officials and other will greet the governor’s party at the American Legion Club about 9 o’clock on the morning of July 4. With a bomb salute, a parade will form at the club to the music of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Band for the march to the Linde Avenue entrance. Reserve units, National Guard, veterans’ groups, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls have been invited to join the parade.
Will Introduce Donor
Dr. Paul C. Whyte, president of the Swim Pool Corporation, will serve as master of ceremonies for the marker dedication. He will introduce Mrs. Joseph H. Kilp of Chicago, daughter of Mayor Stevens and donor of the handsome memorial. Gov. Thomson will be introduced by Marshall Muscavitch, president of the city park board.
With Joseph Perzentka as marshall, the parade will then reform and march to the George Washington monument for rededication services by the Daughters of the American Revolution and a second address by the governor.
Presented to the city by the late Col. John Hicks, the statue of the Father of His Country was first dedicated in 1911 with exercises in charge of the Oshkosh Chapter DAR. That history will be repeated here July 4. The statue was originally located near the park lagoon and moved by citizens last year to its present and more suitable location.
The 10:30 program will begin with singing of the National Anthem. Dr. James A. Daum, minister of First Presbyterian Church, will pronounce the invocation.
An American flag to fly above the monument will be presented by Mrs. William Rasmussen to the Oshkosh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Arthur Devine, DAR regent, will accept the gift which will then be raised by Camp Fire Girl Mary Maxwell and Boy Scout Michael Dougherty. The audience will then repeat the pledge of allegiance led by Mrs. Harry S. Mallery.
Mrs. Austin Hayward of Fond du Lac, state DAR regent, will introduce Gov. Thomson for a patriotic address. The service will conclude with a benediction by the Rev. William J. Spicer of Trinity Episcopal Church and the singing of “God Bless America” by the audience. Music and accompaniment will be by the VFW Band.
Guests of Honor
Guests of honor at the rededication will be a number of people who contributed time, labor, and money toward relocating the statue. They are Dr. F. Gregory Connell, Street Supt. William Hubbard, C.R. Meyer Construction Company officials, Martin Segor, Rufus C. Brown, Park Supt. Nick Jasperson, William Rasmussen, Ben Gunz, G. J. Reinke, President Marshall Muscavitch and other members of the park board.
The governor’s final public appearance will be at the National Invitational Softball Tournament where he will deliver a major address of the day at 2:30 p.m. An Air Corps squadron of jet planes is scheduled to salute the governor and the city, flying from Truax Field to pass over the ball park. Earl King, general July 4 celebrations chairman, will be master of ceremonies at the ball park. Council President Fiss will introduce the governor as the band plays “On Wisconsin.” A half hour band concert, beginning at 2 o’clock, will open the program and include the Canadian national anthem in recognition of the Kiewel Brewery team, visitors from across the border.
Four softball games are scheduled for afternoon play, beginning at 1 o’clock. The tournament will wind up in the evening with championship play beginning at 7 p.m.
Gov. Thomson and his family will be entertained throughout the remainder of the day and evening by Oshkosh friends and county Republican leaders. They are expected to visit the boat and industry show at Menominee Park among other activities.
Fitting climax to the best holiday of summer will be the city’s fireworks exhibition to be fired at Menominee Park about 9:30 p.m. A show which annually brings thousands to the park, this year’s collection of color, fire and noise is expected to rival those of other years. Arrangements are in charge of the park board.
