1920s Civic Virtue Statue Unveiling Ceremony

This photograph captures a significant moment in civic culture during the early 20th century: the unveiling of the statue Civic Virtue. Taken by the Bain News Service, it reveals the community’s engagement in honoring public values through monuments. Statues like Civic Virtue were designed to embody the ideals of citizenship and moral character, reflecting the social values Americans sought to promote during that time.

The unveiling ceremony likely attracted a large crowd, showcasing the collective pride and sense of identity of the community. Such events were common in the 1920s, as cities across the United States were increasingly investing in public art to enhance civic spaces and inspire collective memory. This photograph not only documents the statue’s presentation but also serves as a snapshot of public life and the importance placed on civic responsibility and virtue in the era.