This is a cross-post from Lowell Historical Society Board member Eileen Loucraft’s blog LowellDoughboys.
LOWELL DOUGHBOY STATUE -TRIBUTE OF A GREATFUL NEIGHBORHOOD
The Lowell Doughboy Statue is located at the intersection of Fletcher and Willie Streets in Lowell, MA. It was dedicated June 3, 1923 in an impressive ceremony attended by thousands of people. The square is located in front of the current Lowell Firefighters club. They have an impressive mural which gives the statue a unique look. This location used to house the Marine Club, The Broadway Social Club and Butler Volunteer Firemen. It was the Broadway Social Club who was responsible for purchasing and dedicating this monument.
The monument honors 36 acre men who gave their lives during World War One. Imagine 36 men from one small neighborhood paid the ultimate price. This shows the impact this war had on the city of Lowell.
South Side –
“TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE”
April Joseph
Murray Stephen A
McDermott James C
Toner William H
Gearin George E
Mitchell William J
Michalopoulous Athenasios
Roy Charles J
Theodorou Christos
Wilber William F
Alix Armand
Chaput Philip
East Side – “LEST WE FORGET”
Connolly John L
Flannery Edward J
Cranna John
Ricard Leo A
Manning Thomas M
Quinn Edward F
Kelley Duncan
Georgulias Efstrafios
Lyons John A
Worthy Joseph
Fletcher Carl E
Muraswsky, Joseph
West side – “LEST WE FORGET”
Wallace Charles
Trainor John J
Warren John M
Ryan John H
Mansour George
Macheras Elias
McCellen James W
O’Brien John A
MacLean A Stewart
O’Donoghue Michael T
Longtin Charles J
Ayotte Arthur J
At the statue dedication Major Edward L. Logan, Mayor John J. Donovan and Congressman John Jacob Rogers spoke. I think the Congressman said it best,
“Let this statue be always a beacon star which will help you to strive onward that the lives of those it honors may not have died in vain.”
Also known as Connolly Square named for Private John Leo Connolly, Co. M 101st Regiment killed in action – 23 Oct., 1918 at Belieu Bois, France. Born 3 Aug., 1893, at Lowell, son of Michael and Bridget (Brown) Connolly (both born in Ireland); brother of Rev. Edward B. Connolly, O.M.I., of Colorado Springs, Colo., Frank, Henry J., Raymond, and Mary (wife of Fred Provencher). His occupation was a shipper at the Baker Chocolate Company, Boston.