The Fireman's Memorial

The Fireman's Memorial is a very moving memorial located at 100th and Riverside Drive. The memorial was constructed of pink marble in 1913 by Attilio Piccirilli. Piccirilli was one of six brothers who immigrated from Italy in 1867. The brothers, along with their father, were well known as stone carvers. From their Bronx studio they carved Daniel Chester French's famous statue for the Lincoln Memorial. Attilio, along with his brother Furio, was also highly regarded as a sculptor in his own right.

There are several parts to the memorial: two sculptures, a bas relief of firemen, a fountain and small reflecting pool, and a nearby plaque honoring firehorses. As far as I know Audrey Munson posed for women in both sculptures. In one sculpture, a woman comforts a small child while holding a fireman's helmet in her lap. In the second sculpture a very muscular woman holds the body of a dead fireman. A muscular woman is out of character for Munson who wrote "You can't be both athletic and beautiful! Escew all athletic exercises! Athletics over develop certain muscles..."

The Piccirilli's sculpted or carved several works for which Munson posed. Among them are the Maine Monument, by Attilio, and Daniel Chester French's Four Continents at the U. S. Customs House.

Discussion and more photos of the memorial from forgottendelights.com

Exhibit and signage to commemorate renowned Mott Haven sculptors article from the Bronx Times.

Teacher honors forgotten sculptors April 23, 2001 story about the Piccirilli's from the Bronx Beat.

Brief biography of Attilio Piccirilli from the National Sculpture Society.

Pokorny and Associates firm that recently restored the memorial.

Comments

[neil w. robertson]

i am an avid coin collector interested mainly in the history of the walking liberty half dollar. It has been rumored that Audrey Munson was the model Adolph Weinman sculpted the half dollar from and also quite probably the winged liberty (mercury) dime.

[Patti Cassidy]

Can anyone tell me if a documentary has been made after all? I don't seem to find a completed work listed anywhere and I'd love to see one!

[Michael Reed]

Dear Mr. Schumacher,

I just happened upon you website devoted to Audrey Munson this afternoon and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it! I bought the book, American Venus, a few years back after learning of Munson's story. You see, I was born and raised in Ogdensburg, NY and both of my parents and mother-in-law worked at the psychiatric center. My mother-in-law remembers Audrey as a "sweet and quiet soul" who was always "upright and beautiful." She was surprised to learn Audrey's true history after I leant her my book. I am currently researching for a catalogue raisonne of work by American sculptor Sally James Farnham (1869-1943, http://www.sallyjamesfarnham.org), a native of Ogdensburg probably best known today for her heroic Simon Bolivar monument in Central Park. I have often wondered if Sally knew Audrey. Perhaps there is no way of telling today. Regardless, thank you for "sharing" Audrey with us through your beautiful website!

Kind regards,
Michael Reed

[Robert Winter]

I am writing a short biography and possible documentary for TV about Audrey Marie Munson.
I would welcome any thoughts and ideas that you may have about your family relationship to her.

[joe]

Thanks! Sorry I didn't see your message until now. How are you and Audrey related?

[James Martin Kelly]

Hi
Wonderful! Just a few years ago, I found out that Ms. Munson can be found in my family tree. I was very pleased, as I am an actor as well. Thank you for the pictures and info. I'll be back in NY for a visit soon and I will be stopping to see Audrey Marie while I am there.

Thank You,
Jim Kelly