Pioneer Family Memorial, (sculpture).

Pioneer Family Memorial, (sculpture).

Rovelstad, Trygve A., 1903-1990, sculptor.

Pioneer Family Memorial, (sculpture).

Designed ca. early 1930s. Dedicated Nov. 11, 2001.

Approx. H. 10 ft.

The memorial consists of four symbolic figures commemorating the pioneer family and the pioneering spirit of America. The father, dressed in homespun trousers and shirt, leather vest, and high boots, looks ahead and points his right hand toward the western lands where he will build his future. The mother, also dressed in homespun, looks down at the baby that she holds in her arms, symbolizing the children raised in a new and wild country. Flanking the pioneer family are two figures representing the past and future pioneers. The pioneer youth, holding a staff in his left hand and a scroll in the right hand, looks back to symbolize that the younger generation learns by studying the past. The pioneer scout, dressed in fringed deerskin and coonskin cap, holds a rifle and hunting knife to symbolize the adventurous spirit of the early pioneers.

Figure group -- Family

Occupation -- Other -- Pioneer

Outdoor Sculpture -- Illinois -- Elgin

Riverwalk, Kimball Street, Elgin, Illinois

The Pioneer Family Memorial was designed in the early 1930s, and a "pioneer medal" was created by the artist to raise funds for the bronze cast. Despite legislative efforts and numerous fund-raising events, it was not until after the sculptor's death that enough funding was available to cast and install the bronze sculpture. For additional information see also: The Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1991, pg. 1-2.

Pioneer Memorial Foundation of Illinois, 1992.

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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