The World War I Memorial statue "The Doughboy" proudly stands guard over Hopkinton at the Town's center. The monument was erected in the 1920s to honor the Hopkinton citizens who served in the First World War.
Why "Doughboy?"
The actual origin of the word is unclear. The explanation most cited is that the term arose out of the Mexican-American War after observers saw that U. S. infantry forces were usually covered in chalky dust from marching through the dry terrain in northern Mexico. This, in turn, gave them the appearance of unbaked dough.
Another premise is that they received their name due to the cooking method of their rations. Meals were often comprised of doughy flour and rice concoctions which were baked in a camp fire or twisted around a bayonet and held over an open flame. These came to be known as doughboy dumplings.
A third theory suggests that during the 19th Century American enlisted men used a whitish clay that was called pipe clay. This helped them to give a polish to their uniforms and belts, albeit more of a doughy effect than an actual polish.
A fourth suggestion was given by the widow of General George Armstrong Custer written in her memoirs in 1887. She mentioned that small boiled dumplings served to sailors aboard the early 19thcentury ships were known as "doughboys" and that the term became a slang name for soldiers since the large brass buttons on their uniforms resembled these dumplings.
Though many theories abound, none seem to have been proven to date.
Regardless of the authenticity of any of these stories or what the actual origin is of the term - the Doughboys will always be remembered as true American heroes.
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Hi Claudette,
Loved this statue. Actually I like any that recognize the dedication and sacrifice made by those who've served our country. As for doughboy, I've always wondered about that one myself.