The Tiverton Doughboy

Veteran’s Day, or Armistice Day, was originally designated as a day to celebrate the end of World War I. The United States entered World War I in April 1917 with over 4.7 million men and women serving in the U.S. forces. Of the soldiers overseas, 53,402 were killed in action, 63,114 died from disease, and approximately 205,000 were wounded in battle. The War ended on November 11, 1918 and the legislation that created Veteran’s Day was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.”

To honor and remember all the U.S. soldiers that served in World War I, citizens and towns across the country invested in memorials and statues to display in parks, town halls, libraries, cemeteries, etc. of the “Doughboy.” According to History.com, the term “Doughboy” was used as far back as the Mexican War of 1846-1848. The American infantrymen marched such long treks over dusty terrain that they were given the appearance of being covered in flour, or dough.

One of the most popular designs of these Doughboy memorial statues found all around the country is E.M. Viquesney’s “Spirit of the American Doughboy.” He portrayed a Doughboy striding firmly forward in an erect posture like the Statue of Liberty through “no man’s land” with a rifle in one hand and an upright arm with a hand grenade.

Tiverton’s Doughboy statue, however, is unique in that it is neither a copy nor an original of Viquesney’s. It was designed and completed by J.N. White & Son of West Quincy in the mid-1920’s. It depicts a Doughboy from World War I, standing strong with his bayonet fixed and rifle ready to protect those behind him. This stoic statue with an expression of extreme concentration makes the viewer feel like part of the action. It was commissioned by Nathan Charette from Fort Barton School, and the front of the Doughboy holds an Honor Roll that lists Tiverton residents who served in World War I.

This monument is dedicated to those Doughboys of World War I. The plaque on the back states: “Erected by the Town of Tiverton, RI in commemoration of the patriotism of her citizens, who went forth at the call of her country to serve on the World War 1917-1919, and in memory of those who died that liberty might live, that their deeds may live as an inspiration to courage and patriotism. This monument is erected in most grateful recognition of their high achievements.”

For nearly one hundred years, Tivertonians have passed by a statue that has survived hurricanes (even moved by a couple) and seen countless soldiers going off to fight in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Afghanistan. It watched the Old Stone Bridge collapse and the once flourishing Stone Bridge Inn across the street crumble into disrepair. Vehicles have crashed into him at least four times, causing him to be moved in 1988 farther from the street to where he stands now. Originally, he faced the water, as can be seen in old photographs. But now, he stands confidently facing the town he has been a part of for almost a century, memorializing her citizens who served their country “as an inspiration to courage and patriotism.”