Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

An effort is underway to restore Trenton’s World War I Memorial Arch, a century-old landmark located in Moberly Park that honors local men who served during the Great War.

The memorial, dedicated in the early 1920s, has stood for more than 100 years as a tribute to veterans from Grundy County who served in World War I. Over time, however, the structure has experienced deterioration caused by water infiltration, aging materials and long-term exposure to the elements.

According to organizers of the restoration effort, moisture trapped behind old layers of paint has contributed to masonry damage, while outdated wiring and general structural wear have also taken a toll. While repairs are currently considered moderate, supporters say delaying action could result in significantly more extensive damage in the future.

Plans for the restoration include returning the monument to its historic appearance. This includes repairing masonry, treating exposed steel reinforcement, replacing deteriorated wiring and restoring original architectural features, including the twin lights once mounted at the top of the structure.

A new permanent plaque is also planned, which will list the names of the 28 men from Grundy County who lost their lives while serving in World War I. Eleven of those men were killed in action, while the remaining 17 died from illnesses and diseases contracted during military service, including influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

World War I formally involved the United States beginning April 6, 1917, and ended with the signing of the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. Local Company D, made up of Grundy County men, saw combat in France during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in the fall of 1918, where several county soldiers lost their lives.

In October 2025, a proposal was submitted to the City of Trenton Parks Department by Kramer Contracting Company outlining the full scope of restoration work. The proposal places the cost of the project at $70,100 and includes masonry repairs, sandblasting and cleaning of the structure, installation of new lighting, application of protective coatings and full project supervision.

Supporters of the project say the monument is one of the community’s most visible reminders of the sacrifices made by local servicemen and believe its preservation is a responsibility shared by current and future generations.

Donations are being accepted through the Trenton Community Betterment Corporation to help fund the restoration. Contributions of any size are welcomed, with organizers emphasizing that every dollar brings the project closer to completion.

Checks may be mailed to Trenton Community Betterment Corporation, c/o BTC Bank, Trenton, Missouri 64683, with “World War I Monument” noted in the memo line.