Spirit of 7-6 Salute to Artist’s School Days
By: Suzy Dunning
While cities, big and small across America gear up to celebrate the Semiquincentennial, U.S. 250th, or otherwise known as the “Semi-Q”, the Vigo County History Center will be unfurling the stars and stripes with a new commemorative display. Telling U.S. history means sharing not just the headlines of its founding, but also the smaller stories of the people and communities who built its enduring foundation. The History Center is embracing this special occasion by doing just that. There are so many wonderful ways Terre Haute and Vigo County have contributed to American history and visitors of the History Center will be able to see some of those displayed throughout the rest of the year. This week’s Historical Treasure is sure to be a favorite among the featured artifacts.
A painting by local artist John Minnich “Jock” Wilson titled, “The Spirit of 7-6” is a 1929 rendition of the famous artwork by Archibald Willard. Willard’s painting was originally known as “Yankee Doodle” and was created to be displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, 1876. It is said to be the result of the artist’s inspiration from watching a patriotic parade. As for our Historical Treasure, Jock Wilson’s motivation was more of a show of school spirit rather than a love of country. Wilson worked in coal mines from a young age, served in both World War I and II, and took a special interest in boxing, writing, and art. His studies at Rose Polytechnic Institute (now Rose Hulman Institute of Technology) led to a hearty career in civil engineering. However, it was a loyalty to his 1917 graduating class of Garfield High School that prompted the “Spirit of 7-6”. For students of Garfield 7-6 holds a special meaning. It was the final score of the 1915 football game against local rival, Wiley High School. According to reports the Wiley Red Streaks were sure to win the Thanksgiving game, but in the final two minutes they missed the field goal, handing the win to Garfield. Wilson was a gifted athlete and played for the purple and white during his time there. The dedication he inscribed on the painting near his signature reads, “GHS-17” painted in the purple and white Garfield High School colors and indicates his graduating class. Wilson gave the painting to the school in 1924 and it was later moved to the Vigo County Historical Society in the 1980’s.
