I like both sculptures, but, prefer the 'rugged' Newman figure (and his 'gun handling') over the 'more youthful' Kitson rendering.

There must be a simple explanation as to why both sculptors used the same name, ("The Hiker"), on their work?

BTW - Newman had died, in February, 1940, prior to his Ypsilanti work's dedication in May, 1940.

At the 1940 Ypsilanti "Hiker" dedication, Members of all 12 Companies of the 31st Michigan Vol. Inf. Regiment were present, marking their 41st USWV - Reunion.

A young man, Grant Pierce, was dressed in his father's SAW uniform, (Walter C. Pierce - Musician), and assisted in the unveiling.

(A lot of the content of 'Speeches' at the Dedication, involved the danger of World events in 1940 and a desire to remain out of the foreign wars).

Ypsilanti's "Hiker" statue was deteriorating by the 1990's and underwent restoration in September, 2005, to stabilize it.

Ypsilanti, Michigan, is named after Greek General Demetrius Ypsilanti. The new Michigan village took the name in 1825, in admiration of a man fighting for Greece independence from the Turkish Empire.

Rather comically, a bust of General Ypsilanti sits in front of the 'phallic water tower', mercifully with his back toward it.
Across the street, "The Hiker" stands with a good view of the brick ... ummm ... structure.

Local legend has it that, when a "Virgin" graduates from Eastern Michigan University, the tower will collapse!

'Ypsilanti People' reflect a lot of Michigan Humor!

---