NEWS: Altoona's Victory Arch, Altoona Tribune, January 11, 1919, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja 

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VICTORY ARCH AS IT WILL APPEAR WHEN COMPLETED IN COMING WEEK

  Altoona's Victory arch, being erected as a tribute and welcome to the boys 
who fought and died for American ideals, will possibly near completion next 
week, as Contractor Fluke's men are making progress steadily.
  When complete the memorial to the service men, will have arched subways 
extending thirty feet on Eleventh avenue sidewalks, fronting the open spaces 
on Pennsy property, adjoining the Logan House and general office structures.  
They will run from the base of the arch.
  The under side of the big inverted crescent is to be forty-two feet above 
the street, at the centre, and about fifty feet at the top.  The depth along 
the avenue is approximately eight feet.  A deck is provided on the arch for 
four electric lights, and a flag pole twenty feet high.
  Two brilliant electric lamps and a setting of flags will adorn each of the 
sidewalk subway entrances.  On the face of the arch across the entrance, will 
be cast figures of a soldier and a marine.  The American eagle is to grace the 
under side of the semi-circle.
  Frame work of heavy timber will resist the strain imposed by the heavy 
weight.  The panel front of asbestos material is destined to be both weather 
and fire-proof.  It will be finished in a light gray hue, all facing being of 
wood and painted white.
  The main structure is to be permanent and adaptable for any decorative 
features for observances of future events.
  "Welcome Home" will be the message of greeting, on the face of the arch, 
upper circle, and on the lower circle, "Justice-Right-Humanity."  The building 
committee members are Charles E. Weller, Chester R. Anthony, Walter S. Greevy, 
A. E. Sheller, and Julian Millard, architect.  The contract was let to J. G. 
Fluke & Sons.  
  Mrs. David McMurtrie, Mrs. Joseph McAleer and Mrs. Richard Rowan compose the 
finance committee, and will name the soliciting committees later.  The women 
of the War Mothers' organization, appointed at a meeting in community hall, 
Thursday evening.  They will direct the campaign for funds which is to be 
started next week, and it is hoped every real patriot will lend adequate 
financial support.

Altoona Tribune, January 11, 1919, page 12