Shows the memorial, sculpted by J. Otto Schweizer and erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1934 in memory of all African American military men who have served in wartime. The top of the monument is a sculpted eternal flame, the "Torch of Life," surrounded by four American eagles. Below the torch, a female allegorical figure of justice stands holding wreaths symbolic of honor and reward. She is flanked by five figures of African American military personnel from each branch of the armed service. A dedication is inscribed into the memorial's granite pedestal which is adorned with a wreath. Erected after much controversy on Lansdowne Avenue, the memorial was moved in 1994 to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway opposite the Franklin Institute., Numbered 8419 on verso., Sheet number: 88L01., Divided back. Text on verso.
Creator
Brightbill, George M., collector
Date
ca 1935
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Fairmount Park - Monuments & Memorials - Miscellaneous - 88]
Contains images of Logan Square, Logan Circle and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from many different perspectives. Depicts popular landmarks on the parkway including the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Central Branch of the Free Library, City Hall, the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul and Pennsylvania Railroad's Suburban Station. Images document Logan Square and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before, during and after construction from 1917-1926., Contains 21 postcards printed in color and 5 printed in black and white. Also includes 11 linen postcards., Logan Square marked the central portion of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, connecting the wider linear segment running east from the Art Museum terminus and the thinner portion running west from City Hall. Based on plans designed by Jacques Greber, who was also responsible for the World's Exposition held in Paris in 1937. One of many boulevards created during the City Beautiful movement, emphasizing an attractive environment of green landscapes and classical civic buildings that would create moral and civic minded citizens during a time when American cities were afflicted by poverty and overcrowded living conditions., Digitized with funding from a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Creator
Brightbill, George M., collector
Date
1915-1960
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Brightbill postcards [Logan Square and Parkway - 133]