Fox Point Veterans Memorial (First Ward Permanent Memorial)

Fox Point Veterans Memorial (First Ward Permanent Memorial)

Subject (Topic)
Providence River Walk--Rhode Island--Providence
Monuments--Rhode Island--Providence
Memorial Park--Neighborhoods--Rhode Island--Providence

Subject (Object)
Commemorative sculpture

Dedicated in 1951, the Fox Point Veterans Memorial was first proposed to be a "living memorial" that would be an addition to the Providence Public Library. Aristide Berto Cianfarani, an Italian-born American sculptor, known for his monuments and war memorials, created the Fox Point Veterans Memorial. The memorial is made of granite and bronze. Low-relief bronze images are on both sides of the memorial.


Atop the monument sits an American bald eagle, wings spread and facing west. The front side of the memorial shows four soldiers carrying rifles. They represent the four branches of military service: the Navy, Army, Armed Forces, and Marines. The four men are dressed in combat wear, including thick jackets and combat boots. The other side of the memorial features four women military personnel carrying satchels, possibly nurses. The narrow sides of the granite memorial feature olive branches, a symbol of peace.

Cianfarani, Aristide Berto, 1895-1960

Photographs by Eric Sung, Professor, Providence College

July 4, 1951

First Ward Permanent Memorial Committee: John T. Doherty, Mary W. McElroy, John C. A. Ryan, Michael T. Spaight, Mrs. James J. Rush, Helen O’Meara.

City of Providence, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States

JPEG

English

Visual Arts-Sculpture

Memorial Park, South Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, United States

Inscription etched in granite on top of memorial:
Fox Point Veterans Memorial

Reliefs: bronze; Eagle: bronze; Base: granite

Agnew, Dorothy. "Providence Sculptor Wanted Studio and Home Under One Roof, so in an Old Garage He Made His Dream Come True." Providence Journal, March 11, 1945.

"War Memorial Set Up Delayed. Committee to Await Return of Veterans Before Naming Officers." Providence Journal, July 19, 1945.

"Providence." Providence Journal, July 22, 1945.

"In the Day’s Mail: Anne C. Halst, War Memorial Forest." Providence Journal, September 2, 1945.

"In the Day’s Mail: Harry D. Horton, Providence War Memorial." Providence Journal, September 2, 1945.

"Auditorium Leads as Vet Memorial. $1,000,000 Project Becomes No. 1 Proposal to Honor World War II Forces." Providence Journal, April 9, 1946.

"City War Memorial." Providence Journal, April 10, 1946.

"In the Day’s Mail: Addison P. Munroe, War Memorial." Providence Journal, April 12, 1946.

"In the Day’s Mail: David L. Stackhouse, Auditorium and Music." Providence Journal, April 14, 1946.

"Veterans Memorial." Providence Journal, May 5, 1946.

"Committee Views Gymnasium Plan. Cost of Proposed City War Memorial Set at $850,000; Will Seat 3,500." Providence Journal, July 9, 1946.

"Memorial Group Adopts Proposal. Favors Limiting Competition on Recreation Building to Local Architects." Providence Journal, July 23, 1946.

"In Rhode Island . . . 10-20-25 Years Ago." Providence Journal, August 22, 1948.

"Service Records Preserved in Urn. Sealed in Base of Memorial to World War II Veterans of First Ward." Providence Journal, May 5, 1951.

"Veterans and Auxiliaries: Groups Will Participate in Holiday Celebrations." Providence Journal, July 1, 1951.

"1st Ward Unveils Its Memorial. Granite and Bronze Cenotaph Dedicated in Ceremonies on Cohen Boulevard." Providence Journal, July 5, 1951.

"To Decorate Memorial." Providence Journal, May 30, 1956.

Department of Art, Culture, Tourism, City of Providence