The war memorial in Scoville Park was dedicated on November 11, 1925 to Oak Park and River Forest residents who served in World War I. The dedication was attended by then Vice President of the United States, General C. G. Dawes and General James G. Harbord. Over 5,000 residents attended the event held on Armistice Day, now Veterans’ Day, at 11:00 AM.
The unveiling and dedication was the accumulation of over five years of work. The monument is composed of granite and marble and over $65,000 was raised for its creation. The statue, entitled Peace Triumphant, was carved on-site using an air hammer. The sides “include bronze plaques with the names of all the men who served with the armed forces during World War I and a special table bears the names of the 56 men who fell in combat or succumbed to accident or disease while in uniform.“
To accommodate the memorial, improvements were made to Scoville Park that include landscaped gardens and the first set of tennis courts in the park.
The memorial was restored and rededicated in 2010 ceremony.
Submitted by Andrea Garren, November 2024.
Sources: Oak Leaves 11-14-25
Oak Leaves 5-15-25, page 17
https://www.oakpark.com/2010/11/08/hundreds-gather-to-watch-memorials-grand-rededication-in-scoville-park/