Local History: Civic Virtue

Perhaps no statue in Queens or citywide has been Situated on the highly commercialized boundaries of Forest Hills and Kew Gardens, it has been keeping an eye on passersby since 1941, just west of Queens Borough Hall. Civic Virtue was designed in 1920 by renowned sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies, and sculpted by the Piccirilli Brothers.

It was not always a part of Queens. In 1922, Civic Virtue watched park-goers and elected officials as it stood centrally in Manhattan’s City Hall Park. Shortly after, because some people felt it disrespected women, it earned the nicknames “Tough Guy” and “Fat Boy.”

In February 1935, Parks Commissioner Robert Moses insisted Civic Virtue should be removed from City Hall Park, which was slated for reconstruction to its original configuration, with lawns and a new traditional fountain. Relocating it to dense parks such as Alley Pond or Hillside Park was his vision, while others preferred McCarren Park or Coney Island.

On March 17, 1935, The New York Times reported it would be moved to the new municipal center of Foley Square, “among buildings of its own gigantic proportions.” In 1940, Robert Moses suggested it be moved in or near Randalls Island stadium, but debate lingered.

In January 1941, Robert Moses announced a contract of $21,720 for the statue's transport, and on May 29, 1941, the 24-ton statue was placed in a wooden container, meticulously packed with sand and attached to a 35-ton crane. At 2 miles-per-hour, it made its cross-town parade on a 16-wheeled haulage truck with stout timbers to Kew Gardens at 4:45 PM (4 hr 10 min commute).

The fountain, which children once swam in, was previously disassembled, and slated for reassembling. On May 31, 1941, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who famously hated the fountain because its naked backside could be viewed from his office, said “Oh, it’s gone at last. Now I won’t have to look at that virtuous back anymore.” Alongside Queens Borough Hall, Civic Virtue would once again be in a landscaped setting, but not “turn its back” on government.

 On October 7, 1941, City Council President Newbold Morris presented Civic Virtue to Borough President George Harvey, who advocated for its rescue. He said, “For 12 years, Queens has really had civic virtue, but has never been able to prove it. We can, now!”

There were 50 invited guests including Adolph Weimann and A.F. Brinkerhoff of the National Sculptors Society, as well as 200 onlookers who cheered. It became a fixture on the north side of Queens Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway.

The classically-designed 22-foot stone and marble sculpture has a commanding presence in a serene setting amidst urbanization. Civic Virtue depicts a muscular nude Hercules with a sword in his right hand behind his neck, and stands over (but not on top of) two mermaid-like Sirens depicting “Vice” and “Corruption.” In Greek mythology, Sirens are female figures with bird feathers and scaly feet.

“Mac Monnies 1920” is engraved at the eastern base of the sculpture, with 4 omni-directional aquatic gargoyles, and is surrounded by a four-sided fountain atop 3 steps with a pebble-finished landing. Mounted capital letters read, "This Fountain Was Erected By The City Of New York With Funds Bequeathed By Mrs. Angelina Crane."

Art is open to interpretation, and an artist's vision is bound for misinterpretation. I Since then, an influx of art defenders emerged, contacted Community Board 9, and expressed interest in donating funds for Civic Virtue’s restoration. The Parks Department has not maintained it for decades; with an inoperable fountain, a weathered sculpture and fountain, and cracked steps.