The Broadway Fountain

887 Words2 Pages

The Broadway Fountain

The Broadway Fountain is a beautiful fountain that has become an extremely popular attractions in Madison, Indiana. The fountain was created by J.P. Victor Andre. The fountain was originally labeled as “No. 5” and was displayed in a catalog created by a company named Kirtland Iron Company. The original price of the fountain was at an astonishing price of only $2500.00. The fountain stands 26.6 feet high and 35.6 feet in width. It has two basins and a reflecting pool. The top portion has a robed female holding a rod and the second portion has two large birds. The base of the fountain has four horn-blowing tritons that shoot water from the horns. People have reported that the design of the fountain resembles a neo-classical theme. The fountain was created to resemble a popular fountain in Paris. That fountain was displayed during the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 in London. However, the fountain has not always been considered a landmark for Madison.
In 1876, The Broadway Fountain was found in the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and put on display for the Agricultural Nave. In 1886, the fountain was transported to Broadway Street in Madison after the Odd Fellows purchased the fountain from the Exposition. The Odd Fellows apparently purchased the fountain for $1240.00 as a gift for the city in August 1884. The city dedicated the fountain on September 28, 1886 with thousands of people attending the dedication. In 1949 the Odd Fellows raised money to have the fountain repaired after a mayor was known to say that it was too damaged to be repaired. Then, in 1976, another mayor declared that it could not be repaired. A local banker by the name of Philip W...

... middle of paper ...

...ecorated in red, white, and blue and Sheriff William Middleton even decorated the courthouse. Then, at 1:00pm, Rev. J.H. Barnard gave the invocation to dedicate the Broadway Fountain into the city of Madison. The Odd Fellows were recognized for their effort and determination in making sure the fountain was not forgotten and restored to highlight its beauty.
After the repairs to fountain were complete, a second re-dedication ceremony took place on August 9, 1980. The mayor of Madison at the time, Al Huntington, said that the Broadway Fountain was the key centerpiece of the community. The park and fountain has great lighting during the evening hours and is furnished with ample park benches. The Broadway Fountain is used for a variety of community events and weddings throughout the year. During Christmas, the fountain is decorated with lights and enjoyed by tourists.

Open Document