The Broadway Fountain

Christina Robey

George Carter

Art History

November 22, 2013

The Broadway Fountain

The Broadway fountain was planned by Andre Victor, a French sculptor who was working for Janes at Kirtland Iron Company of Morrisiana in New York. During its prime, the company, which is recognized with creation, design, and placement of the Dome Capital in Washington, was among the state’s key foundries. The fountain uniquely appeared in the company directory, and it is branded No. 5. Some studies have indicated that the neo-classical design by Andre was motivated by the prominent fountain in Place-de-la-Concord situated in Paris, or by the one displayed at the Crystal fortress in London in 1851 (Schwartz 168). The fountain is of a considerable size of 26.6 feet high, and 35.6 feet wide with a reflecting pool and 2 basins. The basin at the top is characterized by a maiden, while the second basin is comprised of two large birds. The bottom of the fountain is bordered by four horn-blowing tritons. Numerous ornamental pots sit are placed alongside the pinnacle partition of the reflecting pool.

It has not always belonged to the Madison despite the belief that it is a local landmark. It first emerged in Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, where it was displayed in the Agricultural Nave. It came to polish the Broadway Street of Madison in 1886 following a purchase by an organization referred to as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. As organization bought the fountain, many years following the Exposition closed. A fraternal organization, the Odd Fellows dates its history to 1745 when the first lodge was built in London. The organization created groups in North America in 1819. Its objective is to offer mutual help to its members and is aimed at improving the society as it is a social one with different degrees and rituals (Jorgensen 16).

Several signs are agents of the organization. The famous symbol is like an eye in the center and three links. The eye stands for the all-knowing eye of the globe. The links stand for truth, friendship, and love. This symbol is seen on the base beneath every triton on the fountain. Presented to Madison by the Independent Order of Fellows, the Broadway was saved two times from a disgraceful end by the Valley City dwellers. In 1949, they collected funds to repair the cast fountain after a mayor called for a replacement. The West, Broadway, and the Main streets were either supposed to have the fountain, and following some dialogue, Broadway was preferred. An esplanade that was meant for the fountain was designed in the center of the street. According to the reports by the newspaper, the original fountain devotion festival took place in 1886 and thousands of the residents attended it.

Four replica fountains had been constructed by