The Fountain Park - West Park

This site once served as a pasture and as a training area for the militia. It was reported that men who were arrested for public drunkenness were frequently sentenced tot eh job of digging stumps. In 1852 a tree planting day was held in an effort to provide shade and improve the park's appearance.

A century of loving care has preserved the Egbert Memorial Fountain, the centerpiece of West Park. The fountain was built in memory of Dr Albert G. Egbert, a successful leader in the lubricating oil field. He was elected to a term in Congress after which he became involved in the business and civic affairs of our community. In 1882 he was named to the Park Commission taking a particular interest in the improvement and beautification of what is now the Fountain Park and the civil War Monument Park. Dr. Egbert died in 1896. His beautiful home is located on South Park facing the Civil War Memorial.

Evening News 1896: "The topmost figure on the sculptured iron colum is Venus, standing 25 feet above the pavement. From the lilies and cattails spring jets of water falling into the first and smallest of the three basins. The basin rests upon the figures of three cherubs, and from it the water falls into a second basin, which discharges the water from the mouths of 12 lions."

~Please Cross West Park Street~