Based on the research of Kevin Abing PhD, of the Milwaukee County Historical Society I put together this chronological picture of the history of the memorial from its innocuous beginning in 1919 to its dedication on May 22, 1921.  The information was obtained from letters and newspaper article found in the archives of the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

The earliest information that was found about this memorial was a letter dated January 13th, 1919 from Mr. Theodore Dannmann of the American Granite Co. to Mr. Theobald Otjen of 1150 Kinnickkinnic Ave.  The letter states that the stockholders of American Granite met that morning and the matter of the memorial was discussed and the following resolution adopted:

Whereas the American Granite Company has made for the Panama Exhibition one Pergola Monument, of the following description: All told there were sixty pieces in this monument it is of octagonal shape, twelve feet in diameter, eighteen feet high.  There are eight columns, set on a polished lower course, with an all-polished octagon center pillar.  Eight polished arches rest on the outside columns and the center pillar.  On this rests a settee for a polished ball. All parts of the monument are highly polished except the carving on the columns.

Now this monument, a most suitable memorial for our heroes, is in stock and is all completed, and although the value is $30,000.00 including the concrete foundation and erection in place, be it decided that we inspired by local pride, are willing to do our share to have this monument erected in our home city, and further being of the firm belief that all soldiers and sailors will appreciate the fact that granite hewn from Wisconsin hills, is used for this memorial, be it therefore resolved that we the American Granite Company make a sacrifice and propose to erect and secure this work of art for our city, by placing a price of $15,000.00 upon this work, all set complete on a concrete foundation five feet deep, which foundation will be furnished by the American Granite Company.

The American Granite Company had its General Office and Factory located at 15th Avenue and
C. & N. W. RY., Milwaukee with quarries in Lohrville, Waushara County WIS. And Granite Heights, WIS.

A transmittal letter on Nordberg Manufacturing Co. stationery dated July 23, 1920, addressed to Mr. G. A. Fritsche and Mr. Bernard C. Korn from Mr. E. C. Bayerlien tells them about a letter he received from Mr. Mattison and asks them to “Kindly give it a little thought and let me hear from you.”

The letter he referred to was from the City of Milwaukee, Office of the City Attorney, dated July 21, 1920, addressed to Mr. E. C. Bayerlien, Chairman of the Site Committee Bay View Home-Coming & Reconstruction Committee.  In the letter, the writer, Mr. W. J. Mattison – Assistant City Attorney states he attempted to contact Principal Fritsche relative to the selection of a site for the memorial, but that Mr. Fritsche was on vacation (in Random Lake) so he took the liberty of presenting the matter to Mr. Frank Schumacher, Secretary of the Board of Park Commissioners.  Mr. Schumacher suggested that the committee select a site for the memorial and then present the matter to the Park Board and request a hearing.   Mr. Schumacher indicated that the Board would undoubtedly favor placing the memorial on a triangle or square rather than in either the Humboldt or South Shore Park and suggested that the triangle at Logan and Kinnickinnic, or at Pryor Avenue and Kinnickinnic would be acceptable to the Board.

An article on page 15 of the June 2010 edition of the Bay View Compass contains the following passage, “The other structure is the World War One memorial Kiosk, measuring 20 feet tall, 12 feet in diameter, and constructed of Wisconsin red granite. “  It goes on to mention that it was “Paid for by donations through the effort of the Bay View Home-Coming and Reconstruction Commission, dedicated May 22, 1921. Inside is a bronze plaque with the names of 22 Bay View servicemen who died between 1918 and 1919.”

Mr. Theobald Otjen, Chairman of the Bay View Home-Coming and Reconstruction Commission sent letters of invitation to: General John J. PershingCommander of the American Expeditionary Forces on March 30, 1921, Major-General Leonard representing the U. S, Army on March 18, 1921, and The Honorable William H. Taft,former President of the United States and soon to be Supreme Court Justice.  There is no record of any of them attending the ceremony.

The May 22, 1921 edition of the Sunday Sentinel, contained an article on page 18 titled: MONUMENT TO VETS TO BE DEDICATED | Expect 40,000 to Attend Ceremonies at Humboldt Park.|

The Giuseppe Garibaldi Society taken in Humboldt park, around 1928

The following accompanied a picture of the memorial with the caption:  Bay View Soldier Memorial.

Forty thousand persons are expected to be present at the dedication of the Bay View Memorial Monument on Sunday afternoon in Humboldt Park.

Citizens of Bay View, who by popular subscription, financed the project of a monument to the district’s soldier heroes, will participate in a parade ending with a program in the park.

The memorial, an impressive affair of shining Wisconsin granite, stands on rising ground overlooking the little crystal lake in the park.  An arch raised on several columns is surmounted by an American eagle.   The monument bears the inscription: “Dedicated to the memory of the patriots of the community who gave their last full measure of devotion in the World War 1917-1918, by the people of Bay View.”  Listed on the tablet are the names of twenty-two Gold Star heroes of the district.  The cost of the monument is estimated at $15,000.

The parade which is scheduled to start at 2 o’clock from Kinnickinnic and Lincoln Avenues will be in charge of George Meredith as Marshall. There will be 5 bands in line.

Gov. John J. Blaine, Mayor Daniel W. Hoan, and Chief of Police Jacob W. Laubenhiemer Jr. are among the honored guests at the presentation at Humboldt Park at 3 o’clock.  The Program follows:

• Community Singing: Onward Christian Soldiers, directed by Robert Davis
• Invocation – Chaplain Gustav Stearns
• Music – Elks Chorus
• Address – Maj. Genl. Eli A. Helmick United States Army
• Vocal Music – H. I. Williams
• Address – Gov. John J. Blaine
• Presentation of the Memorial Monument to the City of Milwaukee
• Unveiling of the Memorial Monument – The Memorial Committee, E. C. Bayerlien, Chairman
• “America” – the audience
• Benediction – Chaplain George S. Ehlers
• Military Rights – Wisconsin National Guard

The article ends by stating that, “All city and county officials have been invited to march in the parade which will be led by Chief of Police Jacob J. Laubenhiemer and the police band of seventy-five pieces.”

I hope this helps explain the history of this monument.

Bob Harenda

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