1930
This view of the World War I monument in Veterans Park looks across Library St., running east and west, and north down Bostwick Ave. The Grand Rapids Public Library, formerly known as the Ryerson Library, is prominent in the background. Names of those who died in WWI appear on eight bronze bronze plaques placed on the sides of the granite pillars. Flowers commemorating their sacrifice are place at the base of both monuments. The plaque reads, "ERECTED BY THE CITIZENS OF GRAND RAPIDS WITH FUNDS VOLUNTARILY SUBSCRIBED THEREFORE AND DEDICATED NOVEMBER 11, 1926 TO THE MEMORY OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF GRAND RAPIDS WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY IN THE WORLD WAR. The smaller monument visible between the two pillars is a bust of Thomas Gilbert. Several autos of the 1920s vintage are parked on the streets.
| Title | Memorial Pillars |
|---|---|
| Date | 1930 |
| Current Address | E. Fulton St. and Sheldon Ave. |
| Pre 1912 Address | Fulton St. Park |
| Architect | Ralph W. Demmon, Grand Rapids |
| Date Constructed | 1926 |
| Original Owner | Administered by City of Grand Rapids, Parks and Recreation Dept. |
| Original Use | Memorial to WWI dead |
| Neighborhood | Downtown |
| Information Source | "Outdoor Sculpture in Grand Rapids" by Fay L. Hendry; Inventories of American Painting & Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum |
| Notes | Title from the name of the monument. The granite pillars are approximately 35 ft. high and 7 ft. wide at the base. |
| Collection | Coll. 254-3-52, History & Special Collections Dept. |
| Rights | Reproduction and copyright information regarding this image is available from Grand Rapids History & Special Collections, Archives, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, MI |
| Location |  |
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