A Description Of The Broadway Fountain

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Recommended: Broadway Fountain History

The Broadway Fountain
As water flows from its jets, which then turn into a stream of water down from the upper tiers to the pool below, visitors travel from all over the world to visit the most iconic landmark in downtown Madison. This weathered fountain has the classic green, white and black patina of age that many outdoor sculptures possess. Located on Broadway Street in between Main and Third Street is a 26 feet high, 35 feet wide fountain with two basins and a reflecting pool (Grimes). This iconic landmark fountain is the Broadway fountain. The Broadway Fountain is one of Madison’s landmarks, which stood in the middle of Broadway for almost 100 years before it was dismantled and replaced with the 1981 bronze production.
The Broadway fountain was designed by a J.P. Victor Andre. “Andre is a French sculptor that was employed by the Jane, Kirtland Iron Company of Morrisianna, N.Y (Coons)”. He modeled the fountain’s design after the Place-de-la-Concord fountain in Paris. The Broadway fountain had three unique decorated tiered basins along with four tritons surrounding the base. Each creature clutches a shell horn that spouts water. On top of the highest basin, sits a classically robed female figure holding a rod. “Cartouches featured the Odd Fellows symbol of three interconnected links, and adorn each side of the fountain’s octagonal base (Coons)”.
Although considered a local landmark, the fountain has not always belonged in Madison. “In 1876, it first appeared in Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (Grimes)”. There it was exhibited in the Agricultural Nave. The fountain was purchased several years after the Exposition closed by The Odd Fellows. “The Odd Fellows purchased the fountain as a gift for the city (Grimes)”. When it came...

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...is used for other variety of community events and weddings throughout the year.
In past years, the centerpiece of downtown Madison’s historic has been inactive. The fountain has been shut down in order to belter facilitate the work being done to upgrade its own electrical system as well as those along its surrounding walkways. The upgrades intend to repair the underwater lights, leaking, and all of the electrical system (Grimes). There will also be new lighting installed along the sidewalks in the park. The Broadway Fountain is to be re-activated and returning it to its full glory which we have all come to know and love. Jim Grant writes about the beautiful and historic Madison, Indiana:
It will always remain
Down at Broadway and Main,
Odd fellows presented from France;
And to think of a gift
Eighty men couldn’t lift,
But one’s spirit it can with a glance; (15-16)

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