|
 Located
in historic downtown Elkhart, the current Veterans' Park is home to
a WWI Doughboy statue that was presented to the Village by the
returning veterans of World War I in honor of the men who did not
return from that war. Since then, plaques have been added to the
statue with the names of Village veterans from WWII, the Korean War
and all veterans killed in action from Elkhart during past wars.
To be awarded this grant, it was determined that the Village’s
Doughboy statue showed architectural, historical, and cultural
significance to the state, region, and community. Elkhart’s
Veterans’ Park was created by Susan K. Green in 1977 to honor
veterans on behalf of her sister, Elizabeth Drake. Both were
grandchildren of the wife of Richard Oglesby, who was a three term
Governor of Illinois, veteran of the Mexican American War, and a
Civil War general. Elkhart’s WWI Doughboy statue is listed in the
Illinois statewide survey of monuments to soldiers and veterans of
the Great War and is an “Order Arms” Doughboy statue.
“This grant will be used for the cleaning and repair of the WWI
Doughboy statue and for the restoration of the Veterans’ Park site,”
say Lois Olson, President of Elkhart’s Need and Goals (NAG) group.
“This
work includes the park’s foundational base, electricity, plumbing
and drainage, and renovation work - all of which will prepare for
showcasing the WWI Doughboy statue at the park entrance.” NAG was
formed in 1984 and has been the “caretaker” of the current Veterans’
Park for many years.
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The Landmarks Illinois WWI Monument Preservation Grant Program,
launched in 2017, provides funding to WWI outdoor monuments and memorials in
Illinois in need of restoration to recover their dedication-era quality and
appearance. This program is made possible with generous support from the
Pritzker Military Foundation.
“We are very grateful to Landmarks Illinois for this grant,” says Janice Funk,
NAG’s Project Manager for the park renovation. “The project will ensure that the
park is handicap accessible with a safe, stable surface. The reflective sitting
wall and benches will be used by veterans in the Village, living in or visiting
Logan County, and their families and friends. And the park will provide a place
for community events - and a pleasant stop for tourists who travel through
Elkhart on Rt. 66.”
“Volunteer help, landscaping plants and monetary donations are needed to
complete the work,” says Peggy Lee, Village of Elkhart Trustee. Donations can be
made to the Veterans’ Park Fund and can be sent to PO Box 20, Elkhart, IL 62634.
[Peggy Lee] |
