Annie C. Stewart Memorial Fountain facts for kids
The Annie C. Stewart Memorial Fountain is a special fountain in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison is the capital city of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. This fountain was built to remember Annie C. Stewart. She was born on January 17, 1867, and passed away on April 8, 1905. Annie was known for her kind actions and helping people in Madison.
The fountain was built between 1917 and 1925. It was placed in Henry Vilas Park in 1925. You can find it near Wingra Street and Erin Street. This spot is close to the old entrance of the Henry Vilas Zoo. The fountain is also right next to an ancient eagle effigy mound. This mound was built by Native Americans long ago and looks out over Lake Wingra.
Who Was Annie Stewart?
Annie Stewart was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Her parents were Frank and Mary Stewart. This was on January 17, 1867. In 1870, her father got a job with the United States district court. So, their family moved to Madison, Wisconsin.
Annie spent her life helping others in Madison. She was a very active person in local charities. She even helped start an organization called Attic Angels in 1889. Annie was also a past president of this group. Attic Angels helped families in need by providing children's clothing.
How the Memorial Fountain Was Built
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Annie's mother, Mary C. Stewart, passed away a few months after Annie, on November 21, 1905. Mary left $2,000 in her will. This money was for the Madison Park & Pleasure Drive Association. She wanted them to build a drinking fountain to honor Annie.
Mary's will said that Annie's name must be clearly on the fountain. It also said the fountain should be in a good spot in Madison. In 1911, John Nolen, a city planner, gave advice. He told the Park Association to put the fountain in Henry Vilas Park. This park was created with a gift from Mrs. Henry Vilas.
John Nolen thought this spot was perfect. It had a great view and was meant to be a main attraction in the park. The Stewart and Vilas families were good friends. The Vilas family had also lost their son, Henry, who passed away in 1899.
A special committee chose Frederick J. Clasgens from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was picked to design the fountain. Work on the sculptures began in 1917. Mr. T.C. McCarthy built the fountain under Clasgens' guidance. The fountain was made in smaller pieces. These pieces were then put together when they were all finished.
The fountain has a round base made of white concrete. It is 12 feet wide. In the middle, there is a raised stand with dolphins and sea nymphs. Small tritons (mythical sea creatures) were on the edges. They poured water from their shell trumpets into smaller basins. These smaller basins held drinking fountains. Clasgens and his team carved the main figures from white marble. The fountain was finished in late 1924. It was put together in early 1925. The Annie C. Stewart Memorial Fountain was officially opened that spring.
What Happened to the Fountain?
Sadly, the fountain has been damaged over time. In the summer of 1931, two boys broke one of the triton's arms. Then, in 1943, another group of boys destroyed the same triton. The last remaining triton was taken away to keep it safe. It is now missing. Over the years, weather and time have also worn down the fountain and its sculptures.
Today, people from the neighborhood and the City of Madison are working together. They want to fix the fountain. It will no longer be a water feature. Instead, it will be a beautiful sculpture for everyone to enjoy in Vilas Park and the Henry Vilas Zoo.
