Below is the text of a typewritten Yuletide letter from (Miss) Thais M. Plaisted, dated December 25, 1945, describing the Youth Triumphant fountain. The purpose of this letter, its recepient, or its donor are unknown. A copy of the letter is located in University Archives.
My dear Friend,Yuletide, this year, finds the Christian world at peace. From all corners of this planet earth, our service men and women are preparing to return to their own hearths. Hence, Americans are beginning to think about the welfare of their children and their homes.
Therefore, it seems fitting, at this time, for me to tell you about, from my book in preparation, CALIFORNIA MONUMENTAL SCULPTURE, the statue of "Youth Triumphant", given in memory of Edward L. Prentiss, a former student of the University of Southern California, which stands, on that campus in the City of Los Angeles, before the Edward L. Doheny, Jr. Library. It was done by the Bavarian born sculptor, Frederick William Schweigardt, who was one time master pupil of Fine Arts in Munich. It is a replica of "The Four Corners of American Democracy" which stood, in 1935, in the Hall of Youth in the Palace of Education at the Exposition in San Diego, California, and for which the artist received the gold medal for distinguished service. Its base is composed of four concrete Anglo Saxon female figures, who symbolise "The Four Corners of American Democracy". There is the Home, holding the babe to her breast; the School, coveting the open book of knowledge; the Church, seated with hands upraised in prayerful contemplation; and the Community, with arms outstretched in ever bountiful giving. On the shoulders of these figures is borne the great concrete bowl of the fountain, in the center of which is a large black granite ball, on which is poised, in arrested motion, the virgin figure of the aspiring "Youth Triumphant'.
And so, at this Christmas time, may all, who look upon this statuary piece, which is a tribute to both American youth and womanhood, rededicate themselves to bringing the message of love for family, learning, religion and humanity, not only to the United States of America but to all the world, so that youth may and will be triumphant.
sincerely yours
Thais M. Plaisted
December 25, 1945.