Doughboy statue repairs contracted

August 2, 2002 — Source: Naperville Sun, The (IL)

The Naperville Park Board last week voted to spend $24,000 on a contract with Venus Bronzeworks of Detroit to repair the statue of a World War I soldier that stands in Burlington Square Park, near the downtown Naperville train station.

The statue, titled Spirit of the American Doughboy, is one of more than 130 nationwide and was unveiled by the American Legion during a Memorial Day dedication in 1926.

Naperville's statue is missing its left hand and the rifle it held.

The Park District hopes to have it repaired in time for a rededication over Memorial Day weekend next year.

Additional work planned for the surrounding park will bring the project total to about $100,000, the district's Executive Manager Judie Caribeaux said.

So far, about $6,800 in private donations has been raised, in addition to a donation from Century Walk, the city's public art association.

Contributions to the doughboy restoration fund can be sent to the Naperville Park District, 320 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540.

The district's fall program guide also has a space on the registration form to mark if people want to make donations while signing up for classes.
     

Section: NEWS — Page: 7