Wichita’s Riverside Park is home to many historical treasures, including the Hiker sculpture. This statue represents soldiers of the Spanish-American War, often called “Hikers.” Standing at 7 feet tall, the life-sized statue depicts a soldier at ease with a rifle in his right arm.
The Hiker is a reproduction of an original sculpture by Allen G. Newman, commissioned by the U.S. Government for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition in Pittsburgh, PA. Wichita’s version, cast at the Williams Foundry in New York City in 1926, was one of many similar statues dedicated nationwide in the early 1900s. According to the Eagle, it “fittingly represents the wary doughboys who fell victim, not only to the enemies’ bullets, but also to malaria and other tropical elements. Though Cuba’s conquest was swift, the doughboys had to fight jungle disease and savage tribesmen.”
A 1935 Eagle story claimed our Hiker was the only one west of the Mississippi.
Fundraisers were crucial for the $4,500 needed to purchase and dedicate the statue. In 1921, a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” raised nearly $1,000 from two showings. In 1925, the Sedgwick County Commissioners contributed $1,500, while A.A. Hyde donated $100. Most donations ranged from 50 cents to $25.
L.W. Clapp, Walter Vincent, and Alfred MacDonald selected the site at Nims and Murdock in Riverside Park for the memorial. The Eagle reported on May 27, 1926, that Spanish-War Veterans were “pleased with the site. It is in a nook in the park with sidewalks on all three sides of the triangle,” like Washington, D.C.’s layout of statues around the capital.
Courtesy: Wichita Beacon
The Eagle reported that the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) usually hosted Memorial Day events but handed the duty to Spanish War Veterans for the unveiling of Kansas’ first monument to this period of history. The G.A.R. would be guests of honor for the first time.
The dedication events began with a parade featuring Wichita’s active troops, the Hutchinson Battery, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Spanish War Veterans, G.A.R., disabled veterans (in cars), and Boy Scouts.
Courtesy: Wichita Eagle
The first known photo of the statue appeared in the newspaper on May 30, 1926. The Quiring Monument Company installed the statue, which was covered until Memorial Day.
The Eagle reported on June 1, 1926, that over 3,000 Wichitans attended the dedication service on Memorial Day, with about 5,000 people in the park. Music was provided by the Legion and 137th Infantry bands, the Spanish Veterans, and the Boy Scout Drum Corps. S.P. Peterson, commander of Lawton Post No. 18 of the U.S. Spanish War Veterans, unveiled the Hiker as an artillery battery from Hutchinson provided a cannon salute. Peterson highlighted the enduring spirit of American idealism and the sacrifices made for freedom.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was delivered by Kenneth Matthews, and “Little Viola McMillan” gave a reading of “Somewhere in France They Lie Sleeping.” Former governor Henry J. Allen concluded with remarks on the causes and consequences of war.
The Hiker was often mentioned in connection with other memorial services through the years..
Courtesy: Wichita Eagle
On April 26, 1927, the Eagle reported incidents of people stealing flowers from the park, noting that a group had targeted the area around the statue.
Courtesy: Wichita Eagle
By 1961, only six veterans attended the annual picnic, with about 20 people present.
The Hiker was later named one of the Hidden Wonders of Wichita, forming part of the city’s Spanish-American War Memorial alongside the cannon.
To learn more stories about Wichita’s Riverside Park, check out Mini-Series: Riverside Park
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