In 1996 bronze "masks" were added to the sculptures to repair damage and deter future vandalism.

"They were the nicest people you'd ever meet in your whole life", said a woman who knew them, "If you didn't have a dime, you could still get a nice dinner for nothing".

[6] The sculptor added a fictional mime, who performs for a teenager (who was killed in Vietnam in 1969), accompanied by his mother.

[4] The statues are composed of cast concrete,[7] and were all originally located in one plaza, in front of J.P. Licks and a Store 24.

In 1996, the Somerville Arts Council, in conjunction with the city, chose to move the statues to their current locations all around Davis Square, in front of subway stations, and in other small parks nearby.