It reminds us that if we remember the great individuals and high ideals that gave birth to our nation, we can rise above internal strife and past mistakes to stand united and overcome all challenges – and prevail as the greatest country on earth.
Here’s hoping you have a safe and happy July 4th.
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The Lorain Journal published a nice story written by Virginia Willard about Archibald Willard and his Spirit of '76 painting back on July 4, 1966.
Painting Symbolizes Day
’Spirit of 76’ Still Lives
By VIRGINIA WILLARD
Staff Writer
WELLINGTON – Today is the Fourth of July, an American holiday, tradition and heritage.
Ask the man on the street what picture symbolizes the day.
CHANCES ARE he may not know the name but he will mention the two drummers and a fifer marching on a Battlefield of the Revolutionary War period.
The day and the painting have become so closely intertwined in the minds of Americans that the two are synonymous.
The painting is the famed “Spirit of ’76.” The name of the painter, Archibald M. Willard, is not as well known but the artist, were he alive today, would prefer it that way. The picture is more important than the painter.
WILLARD WAS BORN in Bedford, moved to Wellington as a youth, worked at the Tripp Carriage Works decorating wagons and moved to Cleveland after painting his first successful picture, Pluck No. 1.
It was here in Wellington at a Fourth of July parade almost a hundred years ago the the inspiration came to Willard for the painting of the Spirit. His inspiration was the Brighton fie and drum corps headed by fifer Hugh Mosher.
At the time he saw it more as a comic sketch, but as the idea slowly developed Willard became imbued, almost obsessed, by a more serious portrayal.
HE CALLED to Cleveland for his friend Hugh Mosher to pose as the fifer. He took his father, Rev. Sammuel Willard, as the central figure. It seemed particularly appropriate since his forebears had fought in the Revolutionary War. He selected young Harry Devereaux, then attending a military academy at Cleveland, as the drummer boy.
The completed painting was exhibited at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876 and drew such attention that it was sent on a tour of the country at the close of the exposition.
The painting was later sold to young Devereaux’s father who bequeathed it to the city of Marblehead, Mass., where it can be seen today.
IT IS KNOWN that 14 other copies of the Spirit were painted by Willard, the last one being the large painting which now hangs in City Hall in Cleveland.
While Wellington has had no Fourth of July parades for many years, it has a parade on Memorial Day which has featured a living “Spirit of ’76” trio – H. B. McClaflin, True Fortney and Claude Smith.
For many years the trio appeared not only in Wellington but in Ohio and throughout the nation with the local American Legion post as the sponsor. The trio, whenever it appeared, won much acclaim. Fortney’s death last year broke up the famous trio.
SO IT WAS that an idea became a painting, the picture became flesh and returned to the village of its conception.
Willard died in his eighties at his Cleveland home in 1918. It was to Wellington that his body was brought for burial. His grave at Greenwood is green with ivy and he lies surrounded by members of his family.
1 comment:
For many of us, Archibald M. Willard and his paintings define a patriotism colorfully wrapped in a hopeful reality sustained by a 'can do' spirit to achieve it. This spirit recharges us as we navigate the twists and turns of life. For me, he is Ohio's most patriotic painter.
The Spirit of ''76 Museum is one of my favorite museums to visit in Ohio, or anywhere. While there, I feel closer to this man who gave the world so much joy through his paintings. I never tire of seeing them. Thank you so much for sharing this look back story about the life of Archibald M. Willard. His paintings have endured down through the decades. Indeed, the Fourth of July is a most appropriate day to honor him and his connections to it.
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