Gazing upon this ornate Neo-Classical pink granite monument you might wonder about its story. The Memorial to the Veterans of World War I of Forest Hills stands as a tribute to local heroes. It honors 102 Forest Hills residents who served in the Great War.
Dedicated in 1920 the WWI Soldiers & Sailors Memorial is on Flagpole Green. This was once known as Village Green. The monument is a gift from the citizens of Forest Hills. It shows their recognition of the patriotic spirit of these men.
The inscription reads: “Erected by the citizens of Forest Hills in recognition of the patriotic spirit and loyal devotion of the men of this community who served in the military forces of The United States in The Great War.”
Adolph Alexander Weinman designed the Memorial to the Veterans of World War I of Forest Hills. He was a renowned American sculptor. Weinman even lived nearby. His studio was just a short walk away at 234 Greenway South. He lived at 236 Greenway South.
Weinman’s design symbolizes “The Call to Service.” This is seen above the 102 names on the tablet. The monument’s bronze tablet was once green. Residents recall it always being that way. Meticulous restoration work polished it.
Artistry runs in the Weinman family. His son Howard Kenneth Weinman served in WWI. He is also featured on the monument. Howard Kenneth Weinman designed the Long Island Tercentenary Silver Half Dollar. It celebrated 300 years of Dutch settlement on Long Island. The coin shows a Dutch settler and an Algonquin Native American. They stand together to represent harmony.
Several families are featured on the Memorial to the Veterans of World War I of Forest Hills. The MacDonalds are one example. Dr. Joseph MacDonald, Henry MacDonald, and Captain Gerald MacDonald are all listed. MacDonald Park is named for Captain Gerald MacDonald. He was an officer of engineers at the Battle of Meuse-Argonne. He erected bridges and dug trenches.
Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia dedicated the park’s bronze sculpture on May 27 1934. This was after American Legion Post 630 donated $1500. Henry MacDonald requested the donation for his brother Gerald. The granite base reads: “Capt. Gerald MacDonald; Memorial Dedicated By Forest Hills Post No. 630 The American Legion; To Those Who Served In The World War; 1934.” Frederic de Henwood sculpted the statue. William Henry Deacy designed it.
The Springsteens are another prominent Forest Hills family featured on the memorial. David and Howard Springsteen are listed. Their family were influential Dutch farmers. They owned farmland south of Queens Boulevard between Ascan Avenue and 77th Avenue. Before 1906 Forest Hills was known as Whitepot. Farmer David Springsteen was a director of Cord Meyer Development Company. He represented the ninth Springsteen generation to settle locally.
Clarence A. Perry also appears on the Memorial to the Veterans of World War I of Forest Hills. Perry was a Cornell graduate and Forest Hills Gardens resident. He served as a major overseas during WWI. Perry coordinated the post exchange system in training camps. He originated the “Neighborhood Unit” theory in 1924. He advocated for community development with educational social physical and recreational components.
Augustin S. Hardart is another name you will find here. He was a WWI veteran. His father Frank Hardart Sr. founded the Horn & Hardart Company with Joseph V. Horn. They launched the Automat. The Automat became an icon of Americana. The first Automat opened in Philadelphia in 1902. New York’s first branch opened in Times Square in 1912.
Kenneth G. Judson’s name is also etched on the monument. Judson served as a Navy ensign during WWI. He joined Judson & Co a cotton brokerage after the war. He was a 65-year resident of Forest Hills Gardens. He served as the longtime Forest Hills Gardens Corporation president.
Frederick Truesdale Goudy is also on the memorial. His father Frederic William Goudy was a prominent American typeface designer. He believed printing was a fine art. The Library of Congress acquired the Goudy Collection in 1943. It is the most comprehensive collection of its kind.
The Memorial to the Veterans of World War I of Forest Hills is more than just a monument. It’s a window into the lives of those who served. It connects us to their achievements. It is a reminder of their sacrifices. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy.