World War I Victory Arch, Northfield, Vt.

World War I Victory Arch, Northfield, Vt.

When "the boys" from Northfield who served in World War I arrived back home in 1919, the town wanted to make their homecoming memorable. Many weeks went into the planning of creating this magnificent Victory Arch, which was centered in the middle of Northfield's downtown area. Norwich University and others participated in a major parade, and activities to make the boys feel welcome which were held over several days. Nazareno Pelaggi owned a granite shed in Northfield and undertook the design and building of the arch, modeling it after the classic arches in Europe. However, it was all temporary! Not made of granite or any kind of stone, the Victory Arch was constructed using disposable materials and for this event only, and we assume deconstructed after the event, as no remnants of it ever show up again. For a complete history of this arch, go to the NHS website: www.nhsvt.org. Click on "Dog River Crier full-text" in the left sidebar and then click on issue no. 118 (Winter 2013).

1919

General Photograph Collection, 2006.325

Nfld206-325VictoryArch

This image is presented for research and educational purposes only. Permission to publish must be obtained from the repository listed below.

Northfield Historical Society, PO Box 422, Northfield, VT 05663