Doughboy Monument

The Doughboy monument, dedicated on June 14, 1925, honors veterans of World War I from Curwensville, PA. The monument is comprised of a five-foot tall rock beneath a six-foot tall bronze statue of a doughboy. Placed on the rock is a bronze plate listing the names of Curwensville veterans. The Doughboy is pictured in motion with his left hand forward and his right hand by his side, holding a rifle.

The Doughboy Monument was placed in Curwensville in honor of the World War I veterans who were from Curwensville. The monument contains a quote that reads “The memorial is dedicated to the everlasting memory of the hero’s of all wars who by their heroism and sacrifice have made the United States of America the foremost country in the world.” There are 205 names on the plaque which includes those who made the supreme sacrifice. The Doughboy nickname refers to all of the army branches of World War 1. It was dedicated on flag day, June 14, 1925 and was erected by the American Legion Auxiliary, John Sipes Post No. 505. The Doughboy wears a hat, a belt with pockets, a gas mask around his chest, and shirt with rolled sleeves.

Centralized in Curwensville, at the State St. and Locust St. intersection, the Doughboy monument joins other monument to comprise Curwensville Veteran’s Memorial Park. The monument was made by an Ohio man named Walter Sinz and cost $3,750. In 1925, the American Legion only had $70 in their bank account and the 29 members at the time raised the funds from church organizations, door-to-door canvas, schools, and benefit events to construct this memorial for the honor of the veterans. This American legion was the first legion in Pennsylvania to erect a memorial for veterans since World War I. In 1988 on Memorial Day, the monument was refurbished and the chick strap was replaced as well as the entire monument corncob blasted. It was also rededicated that day.

The plot where the memorial stands was donated by Hugh and Elizabeth Irwin who inherited it from their father who had hoped that one day that area would be used for a memorial to his Company K Bucktails. While the monument is representative of World War I, the monument also commemorates veterans of the Spanish-American War and the War of Rebellion.

1. Eshelman, Bob. “Curwensville’s Doughboy monument honoring veterans over 100 years.” The Progress. November 1, 2020. https://www.theprogressnews.com/news/curwensvilles-doughboy-monument-honoring-veterans-almost-100-years/article_0d78ec7b-6922-50de-83dd-d817821dc472.html

2. Richard, Julie. “New World War II memorial dedicated in Curwensville.” Gant News. September 7, 2016. https://gantnews.com/2016/09/07/new-world-war-ii-memorial-dedicated-in-curwensville/

3. “Doughboy Monument, a War Memorial.” , a War Memorial, January 22, 2020. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=144172. 

4. Morgan, Ed. Curwensville: In Celebration of 200 Years. Curwensville, PA: Published by the Curwensville Bicentennial Committee in conjunction with the Curwensville-Pike Township Historical Society, 1999. 

5. Rickard, Julie Rae. Around Curwensville. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2007.

6. “Doughboy Monument, (Sculpture).” Smithsonian Institution. Accessed March 4, 2022. https://www.si.edu/object/siris_ari_335757.