Soldiers Monument, (sculpture).

Soldiers Monument, (sculpture).

Smith Granite Company, fabricator.

Soldiers Monument, (sculpture).

Jewett City Civil War Monument, (sculpture).

Dedicated May 30, 1913. Rededicated April 30, 1989.

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: Westerly blue-white granite; Base: stone.

Sculpture: approx. 7 ft. 8 in. x 1 1/2 ft. x 1 1/2 ft.; Base: approx. 24 ft. 4 in. x 13 ft. x 10 ft. 4 in. (35 tons).

(On front of die, incised letters:) TO THE/LOYAL SONS OF/GRISWOLD/AND VICINITY (On back of die:) ERECTED 1913

The memorial features a granite standard bearer atop a tall cylindrical shaft and pedestal. The crowning figure of the standard bearer has proper right foot forward, with toe extending over the edge of the statue's stage base. He wears trousers, a belted jacket, and a visored cap. His proper left arm is around the folds of the flag, while his proper right hand grasps the hilt of a sword, ready to draw, at his proper left side. The column capital has as it motif, the shield of the United States. The lower portion of the column is decorated with a row of polished stars, and laurel carvings.

History -- United States -- Civil War

Figure male -- Full length

Occupation -- Military -- Soldier

History -- United States -- World War I

History -- United States -- World War II

History -- United States -- Korean War

History -- United States -- Vietnam War

Dress -- Uniform -- Military Uniform

Outdoor Sculpture -- Connecticut -- Griswold

Administered by Borough of Jewett City, Department of Public Works, 32 School Street, Jewett City, Connecticut 06351

Located David Hale Fanning Park, Intersection of East Main Street & West Main Street, Griswold, Connecticut

About 1904 an effort was set forth to raise funds for a Civil War monument. The initial event was a baseball game, with the proceeds of ticket sales going to the monument fund. In 1910, the amount had risen to $300. Fund raising continued, helped by an appropriation of $1,500 by the town and two contributions of $1,000 each by David Hale Fanning, a native of Jewett City and successful manufacturer in Worcester. Fanning also purchased the land, formerly the site of St. Mary's Catholic Church, at a cost of $4,000. The site was later named in his honor. The Smith Monument Company was contracted for $4,875. Cost of the entire project was $15,000, of which Fanning contributed $12,000. Eight thousand attended dedication ceremonies on May 30, 1913. Nearby granite slabs standing northeast of the monument list names of those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. IAS files contain related excerpt from an unidentified source with image of monument at dedication. The monument and park were rededicated April 30, 1989.

For related reading see Lillian Cathcart, "David Hale Fanning Park," 1989, and clippings on file at Griswold Historical Society.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Connecticut survey, 1994.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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