James Scott Memorial Fountain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Scott Memorial Fountain
Artist	Cass Gilbert & Herbert Adams
Year	1925
Type	Marble
Location	Belle Isle Park Detroit, Michigan

The James Scott Memorial Fountain is a large and beautiful monument. You can find it in Belle Isle Park. This park is located in Detroit, Michigan. The fountain was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and sculptor Herbert Adams. It was finished in 1925. Building it cost $500,000. The fountain has a very wide lower part, about 510 ft (160 m) across. Its main water spray shoots up high, reaching 125 ft (38 m). This impressive fountain honors James Scott. He was a wealthy man who left money to the city for this fountain.

History of the Fountain's Creation

James Scott inherited a large fortune from his father. His father had invested wisely in real estate in Detroit. When James Scott passed away in 1910, he had no family or close friends. He decided to leave his entire fortune to the City of Detroit.

However, there was one special condition. Scott wanted a fountain built in his honor. He also wanted a life-sized bronze statue of himself included in the design. Some stories say he wanted his statue at the very top of the fountain.

Many people, including important community and religious leaders, did not want the city to accept the money. They felt that a person with Scott's reputation should not be remembered with such a grand monument. Bishop Charles D. Williams was one of these leaders.

But the mayor, Philip Breitmeyer, and City Council President David Heineman disagreed. They believed the city should accept the generous gift. They argued it would be wrong to refuse such a large donation.

While people debated, Scott's fortune continued to grow. By the time construction on the fountain began, his gift was worth over $1 million.

Fountain Design and Features

The James Scott Memorial Fountain is a stunning structure. It is made from marble. Architect Cass Gilbert and sculptor Herbert Adams worked together on its design. The fountain was completed in 1925.

The lower part of the fountain is very wide, measuring 510 ft (160 m) across. The main water jet can shoot water up to 125 ft (38 m) into the air. Interestingly, James Scott's statue was placed in a less obvious spot. It is located behind the main part of the fountain.

Fountain in Movies

The James Scott Memorial Fountain has appeared in a few movies.

Scarecrow (1973 film)

A well-known scene from the 1973 movie Scarecrow was filmed here. This drama starred Gene Hackman and Al Pacino. In the scene, Al Pacino's character, Francis Lionel 'Lion' Delbuchi, is playing happily with children. He then has a strong emotional moment. This leads to him being taken to a hospital.

T-Men (1947 film)

The fountain also makes a brief appearance in the 1947 film noir T-Men. This movie was directed by Anthony Mann. Early in the film, two Treasury Agents are preparing to go undercover. They stand in front of the fountain. While there, they talk about criminal groups in Detroit.

Gallery

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  Old postcard

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  Detail of one of fountain's lion figures

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  Detail of one of the eight small pools in the lower basin

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  The lower basin

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  16 separate reliefs depict life in the early days of Detroit

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  The Belle Isle Casino is in the background of a dry James Scott Memorial Fountain