Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - November 11, 1984
By Judy Calvert
Vigo County Historical Society

Wilson painting appropriate for Veterans' Day observance

This oil painting by John "Jock" Wilson, a 1917 graduate of Garfield High School, hangs in the Military Room at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St. It is an appropriate treasure for Veterans' Day as we honor veterans of military service to the United States.

The copy of "The Spirit of '76" by Archibald M. Willard (1836-1918) was presented to the students and faculty of Garfield High School by Jock Wilson in 1926. It was displayed in the lower hall of the school until it closed in 1971.

In the upper foreground of the painting three musicians lead a charge against the British. In the lower foreground a wounded soldier is roused by the music and gives his comrades a wave of encouragement, perhaps the last thing he can do for the revolutionary cause. Unity, steadfastness and courage are depicted in the painting as the spirit of '76 --the embodiment of liberty and freedom the colonists struggled so hard to attain during the Revolutionary War.

In 1915, the Garfield High School football team defeated crosstown rival, Wiley High School, by a score of 7 to 6, the first win for the new north side school against Wiley. The team was young and inexperienced and was given little chance for victory. The score of the game was to become the "never say die" rallying cry of the Garfiend students as the "Spirit of 7-6" symbolized not only an attitude for athletes, but also a motto for Garfield Students, faculty and alumni in all endeavors of life. Wilson's painting was has contribution to keeping that spirit alive for the high school.

Willard, the original artist, began his career decorating business wagons. Later he specialized in cartooning. His first rendition of what was to become "The Spirit of '76" was humorous. However, he soon attempted the serious version of the painting which is so well known today.

Originally called "Yankee Doodle." the painting was first shown in Philadelphia in 1876 during the American centennial celebration. Today it is owned by the Western Reserve Historical Society.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.