Topic > Broadway Fountain Research - 880

Downtown Madison, Indiana is home to many historic and beautiful landmarks. Of these many monuments, one particularly beautiful element stands out to the eyes of Madison residents and visitors. This wonderful monument is the Broadway Fountain, which takes its name from the street to which it belongs. The Broadway Fountain was donated to the city of Madison in 1886 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Wright). Today it is still revered as a magnificent work that the citizens of Madison would do anything to preserve. Dimensionally, the fountain is grand. It stands 26.6 feet tall and is 35.6 feet wide. The work put into the fountain is clearly visible in its beautiful design. The fountain features the Odd Fellows symbol of three intertwined links decorating each surface on the fountain's octagonal base. Four mermen surround the base, and each creature holds a shell horn from which water flows. A classically dressed female figure holding a rod sits atop the highest basin” (“The”). French fountain designer JP Victor Andre was an employee of Janes, Kirtland Iron Company of Morrisania, NY, the area now known as the Bronx. In the catalog of the Janes Kirtland Iron Company, the fountain was simply called Model Number 5. For this particular fountain, Andre is said to have been referring to the neoclassical design of two European masterpieces, Place-de-la-Concord in Paris or Show at the Crystal Palace, London (Wright). Putting a fountain in Madison was an idea that came from a group of city leaders. They thought it would be a good idea for the city to have a nice drinking fountain. The fountain was initially intended to increase the membership of the Odd Fellows society, which was central to Mayor James H. Croz's re-election campaign......center of card......copper statue or pewter does not possess, in effect providing the ability to see details that may not be readily visible on a new statue” (Polston). Today, Fountain Park stands out as one of Madison's most visited landmarks. It is often used for community events and even wedding ceremonies for couples looking to get married in front of the large fountain on Broadway. The park is centered between Broadway Street, Main Street and Third Street. Aside from the fountain itself, Fountain Park is decorated with shrubs and benches for those who want to enjoy the beauty the park has to offer. The park, including the fountain, is illuminated during the evening, allowing you to admire its magnificence at any time. During the Christmas period, the fountain is even decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments (“Parks”). It looks like it would definitely be worth a visit.