TOPSFIELD — Ninety-six years ago, a female artist stood on what is now Topsfield's Veterans Memorial Green for the dedication of her bronze Civil War monument. It took another woman's efforts and nearly a century, however, for Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson to be recognized for her accomplishment.
"I became aware of the fact that her name was not on the sculpture. It wasn't anywhere," said Joan Panella, the Topsfield resident who spearheaded the effort to remember Kitson.
An inscription of Kitson's name and the name of the bronze statue, "The Wounded Color Sergeant," has been added to the back of the statue. Donors gathered yesterday morning at the monument to present a check for $500 — the cost of the inscription — to Panella and Topsfield Main Street Foundation.
Kitson was an accomplished sculptress, and her work can be seen throughout the country — including the Civil War soldier statue in Newburyport. Kitson was also the first female inducted into the National Sculpture Society.
Her gender, however, presented some difficulties at the time. No art school would admit her, and many people would not hire a female artist. It is believed that she added "Theo" to her name in order to acquire more work and to collect commission.
"Women sculptors at that time didn't get commission," Panella said. "One letter of inquiry was even addressed to Theobald, so I think it took the edge off of her feminine name."
Panella lives in the home of the late Dr. Justin Allen — former Topsfield Historical Society president and the man who originally donated funds to build the Civil War Monument in 1914. It was through her research of Allen that Panella came to learn more about the statue and its artist.
"It was dedicated 96 years ago and she was there at the dedication, and her name was only in very small print in the newspaper," Panella said.
Panella has been involved in previous efforts surrounding the monument, including the addition of lighting on the statue and the overall dedication of the area last fall as the Veterans Memorial Green.
"I've known Joan all my life, and she's just a wonderful lady," said Donna Hopkins, who donated to the inscription.
Other contributors to the effort included Janet Kmetz and the Topsfield Main Street Foundation; the League of Women Voters of Topsfield, Boxford and Middleton; Jack Armitage; Deborah Atwood; and Rosemary Gangi.
The League of Women Voters donated in honor of the 90th anniversary of women's suffrage and the establishment of their league.
"It's absolutely perfect to celebrate women getting the right to vote and to do community service at the same time," said Karen Sheriden, co-president of the league.
Panella hopes that now the inscription has been added, Topsfield residents will take the time to appreciate this little piece of their town's history.
"I wanted to be sure that it was pointed out to people in town that they had something really valuable that they couldn't replace," Panella said.
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old
Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum
Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash
Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Released on Bail
Two Western Journalists Killed in Syria
Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen
Man Accused of Repeatedly Running Over Lover
Ga. Authorities Say 5 Dead in Spa Shooting
Raw Video: Obama Belts Out Blues
FDA: New Suppliers to Ease 2 Drug Shortages
Doctor Details Cancer Drug Needs and Shortage
Raw Video: New Orleans Revels in Mardi Gras
'Super PACs' Overtaking Campaigns' Fundraising
Raw Video: Mardi Gras Underway in New Orleans
Mild Weather Could Affect Syrup Production
Ex-IMF's Strauss-Kahn Questioned on Prostitution
Raw Video: Iran Sailors Saved From Burning Ship
Firm Suing Apple in China Open to Talks
