Four Elephants Fountain at Audubon Park

Four Elephants Fountain is a water piece with sculptures of four elephants located in Audubon Park at New Orleans, Louisiana. The fountain features four very large concrete elephants that are facing each other across a pool. As if releasing excess water from their insides, the elephant sculptures pump water out of their trunks into the central pool.

Very little information is given and written out about the fountain. Its location, Audubon Park, is the only prominent detail about it. Audubon is a public park in uptown New Orleans. On one side of the place, it is bordered by the Mississippi River while St. Charles Avenue borders it on the other. It is situated directly across Tulane University and Loyola University.

Audubon Park at New Orleans, Louisiana

The park was named after John James Audubon who was an artist and naturalist from the city.

The land where the park is located now, used to be a plantation during the colonial days. It served both the Union armies and the Confederate in the American Civil War. Also, it was used as a staging area for the Buffalo Soldiers. When efforts started in establishing the park, the location was the last undeveloped area of what was later to be known as Uptown New Orleans. Along with the nearby communities of Jefferson City and Greenville, the area was annexed by New Orleans in 1870 until the land was purchased by the city on the year that followed.

Upper City Park was the first name intended for the public facility but was later on changed as few improvements took place. Not long after, the budding park housed a World’s Fair in 1884 which was the celebration of the World Cotton Centennial. After the said fair, most of the structures were destroyed, leaving only the Horticultural Hall. However, it did not stay for long as it was also destroyed in the New Orleans Hurricane of 1915.

In an area called Riverview Park, the recreational area features sports field and picnic facilities. These are along the Mississippi River. This portion of the Audubon Park is more commonly referred to as the “Fly” as a reference to the demolished modernist- butterfly shaped river viewing shelter.

A golf course was opened within the park in 1898 and early in the 20th century, the remaining part of the park became known as the Audubon Zoo. Under the Works Progress Administration, the zoo underwent several improvement efforts. Attractions like the miniature railway, a public swimming pool, lagoons with swan boats and the carousel were all closed and were replaced by a smaller public pool. The new pool was placed adjacent to the original Whitney Young pool.

In 2002, the park’s golf course was renovated into a Par 3 executive course. For the complete renovation of the golf course and building a new golf clubhouse, the Heymann Memorial Conservatory was finally demolished after being closed for many years.

In terms of the park’s Wildlife, Audubon Park features Ochsner Island on its eastern side. There, a rookery is present as one of the prime birding spots in Greater New Orleans. Hundreds of wading birds  such as Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Ibis, Blue Herons, Green and Night Herons are attracted to the island. Double-crested cormorants and Anhingas and many other species of ducks also dwell in the park’s island.

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Brooks Memorial Fountain

Brooks Memorial Fountain is a beautiful water display that has been operating for more than 80 years. It is located at Marshall City, standing near the intersection of M-227 and Michigan Avenue. The city of Marshall regards the fountain as one of its crown jewels.

Before there was Brooks Memorial Fountain, the site was once the location of the city’s first courthouse. It was in 1876 when the courthouse was removed from the West End Park. It was replaced by a bandstand. The bandstand, which cost the city $200, was moved to Jim Cox’s home in 1876 at the northwest corner of the park. A pool was then built at the empty spot until it was removed in 1929 to give space to Brooks Fountain.

Brooks Memorial Fountain was erected to honor the memory of C.E. Brooks. Harold C. Brooks presented it to the city of Marshall on July 3, 1930 for his father. The fountain, which adorns the center of the West End Park, bears a Greek Doric design. Its central structure replicates the Temple of Love in the garden of Marie Antoinette at Versailles, France. 96 different combinations of color and water effects are displayed in the fountain in a ten-minute cycle while thirty-five 1000-watt colored projectors provide the illumination of the piece.

In 1976, the city of Marshall restored the memorial fountain as an American Bicentennial project.

As stated, several repairs and restorations have been done on the fountain. But the piece still required a major restoration project. The fountain reached a point where its electrical and mechanical systems were no longer functioning smoothly. Despite many repairs, the parts’ life spans have simply reached their end. This major renovation effort cost the city thousands of dollars as availability of parts for a system as old as that of Brooks’ were quite difficult to find. Also, the fountain’s outdated lighting system was a little inefficient in terms of power conservation. As a solution, LED lights were used as replacement to the old lighting system since they are more environmental friendly and are most cost efficient. In addition to efficiency, the use of LED lights also gave way to a wider range of color combinations.

With all the restoration projects, Brooks Memorial Fountain maintained its beauty. From being a mere gift to the city, the fountain has become an icon to residents of Marshall and to their way of living. It has become a piece that symbolizes the people of the city and the values they promote within their community. Standing proudly at the heart of the town, it speaks of hospitality as it invites people to sit and view its impressive light and water display during the hazy hours of summer nights. Until now, it serves the people by being a wonderful backdrop in numerous wedding pictures as many couples choose the fountain place as wedding venue. As some people say, it would be hard to imagine Marshall City without the fountain, its beautiful display of water and brilliant changing colors.

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Cascade Falls

Cascades Falls in Jackson, Michigan is a water display that has been entertaining people since May 10, 1932.  Cascades is an ensemble of 6 water fountains, 16 falls of which 11 are illuminated, and 1,230 colored electric lights. Using a 2,000 gallon per minute water pump, water is being filtered, chlorinated and recycled in a closed loop system. Along each side of the falls, 126 steps are present while walkways pass three main pools of water which measure 30 feet by 90 feet.

The city of Jackson prides itself with this landmark. Among all the other structures on the city, Cascades is regarded as the monument of beauty that provides the city’s residents and visitors fond memories and enjoyment. It all began with the idea of a man named William Sparks to give the people of Jackson something that will make them proud of their city. He was a businessman who started from a small grocery store until he got elected as Jackson’s mayor. He held that position for three terms, and also served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts and other civic groups.

The concept of creating Cascades was formed when he went to Barcelona, Spain. He got the idea from the fountain he saw at the place. He carried on his vision by acquiring a property area and converting it into a park with a golf course, lagoons, canal, toboggan slides, landscaped grounds, a clubhouse, picnic areas and of course, the Cascades Falls. Headed by the William and Matilda Sparks Foundation, creating the recreation spot began. After tests done on a ten-foot experimental scale model and after specifications were drawn out, North Moller Construction Company was given the contract for the project on October 17, 1931. The company was tasked to finish the job, except the electrical wiring and installation, by April 26, 1932. In time for William Spark’s 59th birthday, on May 9, 1932, Cascades opened to an excited crowd of about 25,000 people.

When Sparks died in 1943, the park was given to Jackson County. By 1969, it faced the threat of permanent closure because of vandalism at various concrete spots.

It was at that time when a movement called “Save the Cascades” came to surface. From 1969 to 1970, efforts for restoring the recreational area were pursued. The community’s response in renovating the park was overwhelming, even school children collected pennies to contribute to the project. More than restoring the original equipments, new computerized lighting and sound systems were also installed. In 1985, a “Buy a Seat” campaign was pushed to buy new stadium seats for the amphitheater.  Another renovation project was conducted in 1992 where new walkways and a chlorinated well-water system were installed. Also, light sockets were rewired and replaced. Then in 1998, during the most recent renovation project, outdated lighting, fountain controls, fountain pumps were all replaced and a new, high-speed computer program was installed.

Cascades, aside from the falls, offers its visitors snack bars, a gift shop, museum as well as picnic and playground areas. The park is also a wheelchair and stroller accessible recreational area with a free parking space. The standard rate is $3.00 per visitor while children 10 and under can get inside for free. During fireworks night, the rate is raised to $5.00 per person.

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Grand Haven Musical Fountain

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain, standing in Grand Haven, Michigan, is a magnificent display of both water and lights. Visitors and Grand Haven residents who drop by Dewey Hill on the north shore of Grand River take pleasure from the fountain shows that take place every night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are also weekend shows that run on the months of May and September. The fountain’s performance come in varying themes, and run for about 20 to 25 minutes. It comes with a narration that is played on by a persona of a twelve-year old girl.

The fountain was built in 1962 by volunteers with an estimated cost of $250,000. It was designed by William Morris Booth II, a local engineer. The concept and design of the fountain was based on the Przystawic Musical fountain show in Germany which was considered as the largest fountain musical fountain in the world at the time of its establishment. The fountain’s display is composed of a number of water formations that are grouped and fashioned in odd and even segments. With the use of a fanlike array named as the Peacock, the fountain produces a Dancing Waters style display. For a more entertaining and pleasant display, colored lights are arranged on the front side of the fountain while the back curtain of the Peacock have their own setoff lights. All the lights are in controllable groups of red, blue, amber and white. For the water to have a moving effect of swaying from side to side, nozzles called sweeps are installed. The nozzles work using a patented drive mechanism that allows each pair of nozzles to follow or oppose each other’s movement. The sweeps are able to move at any speed specified by the program. They are also programmed to move along long or short paths. This kind of flexibility allows the moving water to follow and dance to just about any kind of music.

In terms of the fountain’s plumbing, it has a width of 240 feet and its water basin can hold 40,000 gallons of water. The maximum height of spray is 125 feet while water consumption is at 4,000 gallons per minute. The pipes, which have varied sizes from ¼ inch to 16 inches, have an over-all length of 8,000 feet.

Originally, the show is controlled using punched paper cards. Now, with the new system, a computer program is used although shows are still programmed manually. Two to four hours is about how long it takes for a three-minute song to be completely choreographed even with the use of the simplest programs. When it comes to computer programming, approximately two hours are needed in polishing each minute of the show.

All in all, there are 200 lights installed which requires a combined power consumption of 125,000 watts. To achieve various displays of patterns, five colors of light are used and blended. As for the sound system of the musical fountain, 12 high-frequency JBL horns, 14 power amplifiers, 32 600-watt JBL subwoofers and 4 independent zones of control are used.

It was on May 30, 1963 when the musical fountain displayed it first performance. Since then, it has amused viewers throughout the summer. With the exception of the festival on July 4th, it is estimated that the fountain gets viewed by about 10,000 people annually.

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The Scott Fountain

A mean-spirited practical joke – that was what people thought upon hearing that a memorial fountain was to be built for James Scott, a millionaire of Detroit. Its construction, including its first planning stage, was filled with controversy. Even before it was completely installed, there were a lot of people going against the Scott fountain. Why? Simply because James Scott was known not for being a respectable citizen, but for being a playboy who often played practical jokes, told dirty jokes, drank, gambled, feuded with neighbors, and consorted with many loose women. He was a wealthy man who had very few friends.

James Scott was a real estate spectator and developer in Detroit. He earned fortune in his line of work. But despite his abundance in finance and material belongings, he lacked in dear acquaintances. Knowing that he would have millions left by the time of his death, he stated in his last will and testament that he would give all his fortune to the city of Detroit. However, this good deed came with a condition. He declared in his will that all his wealth would go to the city and may be used for erecting a public fountain provided that a life-size statue of him would be built in it.

This raised a lot of objection among the citizens of Detroit, and was thought to be one of Scott’s practical jokes. But despite the controversy, executors of his will carried on what Scott wanted. They appointed four architects regarded to be the best in their field, one of whom was the son of Frederick Law Olmsted. They were tasked to supervise a competition to pick out the best possible designer of the fountain. Cass Gilbert, a well known New York architect won the contest in 1914. Then, Gilbert was given the task to select the sculptor of Scott’s life-size statue. He chose Herbert Adams.

As the controversy on building the fountain continued, Scotts’ estate also continued on appreciating its value. More than $1 million was raised by the time the fountain was started. The money was used in purchasing another 1,000 yards to the West end of Belle Isle, a space that was perceived to be necessary in accommodating Scott Fountain.

The fountain was completed in 1925 and in it, a statue of an impeccably attired James Scott pensively watches the calming water, sharing his welcoming lap to children and adults who would like to view the same perspective he has. At the back of his sculpture, a text reads

“For the enjoyment of the people and for the adornment of his native city, James Scott bequeathed to Detroit his fortune to be used in the construction of this fountain.

Erected MCMXXIII.

From the good deed of one comes benefit to many.”

Scott Fountain and the Statue of James Scott

His memorial fountain, and of course James Scott himself, is quite popular among public art book authors. In a book written by Dennis Nawaroski, James Scott is described as “shady, eccentric and controversial” while Hawkins Ferry, a scholar who wrote about Detroit’s architecture described him as “vindictive, scurrilous, and misanthrope”.

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1. Whispering Creek Wall Fountain

Dimensions : 46″H x 22″W x 5″D
Slate Weight only: 80 lbs.; Slate Fountain with Water: 105 lbs.; Shipping Weight: 130 lbs.
Mirror Weight only: 25 lbs.; Mirror Fountain with Water: 50 lbs.; Shipping Weight: 75 lbs.
Ships: FedEx Ground
Usage: Indoor
Water Sound: Medium

2. Sunrise Springs Wall Water Fountain

Dimensions : 35″H x 52″W x 6″D
Slate Weight only: 125 lbs.
Slate Fountain with water: 225lbs
Feather Stone weight only: 25 lbs
Feather Stone Fountain with water: 120 lbs
Marble Weight only: 125 lbs
Marble Fountain with water: 225 lbs
Mirror Weight only: 40 lbs
Mirror Fountain with water: 140 lbs
Water Sound: Medium
Usage: Indoor

3. Inspiration Falls Wall Water Fountain

Dimensions: 69″H x 30″W x 6″D
Slate Weight only: 180 lbs.
Slate Fountain with Water: 255 lbs.
Feather Stone Weight only: 25 lbs.
Feather Stone Fountain with Water: 100 lbs.
Mirror Weight only: 55 lbs.
Mirror Fountain with Water: 130 lbs.
Marble Weight only: 180 lbs.
Marble Fountain with Water: 255 lbs.
Water Sound: Medium
Usage: Indoor

4. Harmony River Floor Fountain – Rear-mounted

Dimensions : 31”W x 70”H x 14”D
Tranquil River: 41″W x 90″H x 14″D
Shipping Weight: 200 lbs.
Ships: Common Carrier
Material: Steel or Copper and Glass or Slate
Usage: Indoor

5. Reflection Creek Wall Fountain

Dimensions : 27″H x 38″W x 5″D
Slate Weight only: 80 lbs.; With Water: 105 lbs.
Mirror Weight only: 25 lbs.; With Water: 50 lbs.
Ideal for Indoor Usage
Medium Water Sounds
Ships: FedEx Ground

6. Aspen Falls Wall fountain

Dimensions: 54″H x 50″W x 6″D
Weight 120 lbs – Featherstone
Weight 315 lbs – Slate
Weight 160 lbs – Mirror

7. Deep Creek Falls Wall Fountain

Dimensions: 69″H x 91″W x 6″D
Slate Weight only: 3 x 180 lbs.
Slate Fountain with Water: 720 lbs.
Feather Stone Weight only: 3 x 25 lbs.
Feather Stone Fountain with Water: 255 lbs.
Marble Weight only: 3 x 180 lbs.
Marble Fountain with Water: 720 lbs.
Mirror Weight only: 3 x 55 lbs.
Mirror Fountain with Water: 345 lbs.
Ships: Common Carrier
Power cord: 6′
Water Sound: Medium
Usage: Indoor

8. Classic Quarry Nojoqui Falls

Dimensions: 58″H x 25.5″W x 6.5″D
Weight with water: 250 lb
Weight without water: 180 lb

9. 6′ Coppervein Gardenfall with Slate Panel

Dimensions: 72″H x 24″W x 15″D

10. Tranquil River Floor Fountain – Rear mounted

Dimensions: 90″H x 41″W x 14″D
Weight: 200 lbs

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Russell Alger Memorial Fountain

The attractive fountain standing in Grand Circus Park, with a beautiful classical statue of a woman, is a memorial piece for Russell Alexander Alger.

Russell Alexander Alger, born on February 27, 1836, was a notable official who served in war, and an entrepreneur in the lumber business. He was a member of the Union Army who served with General Phil Sheridan. He fought in more than 60 battles and was later on promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

After the war, he moved to Detroit and ventured in the business of lumber. Starting from being a wholesaler, he established a firm which eventually controlled more than 100,000 acres of timber. He was also involved in the development of narrow gauge rail lines needed for the smooth transfer of cut logs. His venture in the business was very successful and with his wealth, he joined in financing the Michigan Republican Party. In 1884, he was elected as governor. In 1895, he was picked out by President McKinley to serve as Secretary of War during America’s feud with Spain.  Alger was the one responsible for sending US troops to Cuba, Philippines and Puerto Rico after Spain surrendered. But because of his poor financial management, he got replaced as Secretary of the department in 1899. Three years after, he was then appointed by the state legislature to the US state where he served until he died in 1907.

Standing near the intersection of Woodward Avenue and East Adams, the fountain in his name commemorates all of what he has accomplished and contributed to the city. It was designed by Daniel Chester French, one of the leading sculptors at the time. The fountain features Alger surrounded by laurel with a classical statue depicting a woman. With her right breast bared, wearing a crown of laurel, holding both a sword and a shield in her left hand and firmly raising her right hand as a sign of greeting, the statue represents the State of Michigan which Russell Alger served for more than two decades.

Russell Alger Memorial Fountain, made of bronze and granite, was completely installed in 1921 and was restored in 1997.

Aside from the fountain at Grand Circus Park, Alger has several other legacies under his name. Another monument of Russell Alger stands at the grounds of William G. Mather Building in Munising, Michigan. It was designed and sculpted by Carlo Romanelli. The monument with a bronze bust of Alger escalated on a stone pedestal was erected in June 1901. There is also the camp Russell A. Alger which was established in May 1898. It was located at a farm called Woodburn Manor and served as training ground for 23,000 men for service in the war between Spain and America. Alger County and Alger Michigan are both named after him. Alger County is a province in Michigan while Alger, Michigan is a small community to be found in the lower peninsula of the state. It was named after him as recognition for his contributions on the lumbering and railroad operations in the area.

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1. Whispering Creek Slate Wall Fountain

Size: 46″H x 22″W x 5″D
Slate Weight only: 80 lbs.
With Water: 105 lbs.
Shipping Weight: 130 lbs.

2. Sunrise Springs Slate Wall Water Fountain

Dimensions: 35″H x 52″W x 6″D;
Slate: Weight only: 125 lbs.
Weight With Water: 225 lbs.
Shipping Weight: 295 lbs.

3.  Inspiration Falls Slate Water Fountain

Dimensions: 69″H x 30″W x 6″D
Slate Weight only: 180 lbs.;
With Water: 255 lbs.;
Shipping Weight: 325 lbs.

4. Classic Quarry Horizon Falls Large

Dimensions: 33″H x 51″W x 6.5″D
Weight with water: 230 lb
Weight without water: 195 lb

5. Reflection Creek Slate Wall Fountain

Dimensions: 27″H x 38″W x 5″D
Slate Weight only: 80 lbs.
Weight With Water: 105 lbs.
Shipping Weight: 130 lbs.

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Merrill Fountain

Near the intersection of Second and Covington on the Merrill Plaissance, directly north of the Palmer Park Apartment Building Historic District at the Southern boundary of the park, there stands one of the most beautiful fountains of Detroit – Merrill Fountain.

Merrill Fountain was originally unveiled near the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Campus Martius. However, when automobile traffic increased in the downtown district, city officials decided to relocate the fountain at Merrill Plaissance. This relocation was done in 1926.

The fountain was commissioned to be built by Lizzie Merrill to honor his grandfather Charles Merrill. Charles Merrill was one of the long-time residents of Detroit who made fortune out of the city’s raw materials, specifically lumber. He was one of the city’s leading entrepreneurs in the lumber industry.

Two years after his death in 1872, his granddaughter Lizzie, who was married to politician Thomas Witherell Palmer, decided to erect a fountain to honor him and his contributions to the city. The location near the architectural firm of Carrere and Hastings was chosen. Following an Italian Renaissance style and using white marble, the fountain was built with overlapping basins along with baldachins. The fountain is designed with a variety of aquatic animals, two dolphins, maned lions, and a representation of King Neptune.

At the time of unveiling the fountain in 1901, Lizzie Merrill’s husband, Thomas Palmer was already a Senator. Palmer was a real estate developer and politician. He represented the city of Detroit in the Michigan Senate and in 1879 and 1880, he represented the state of Michigan in the US Senate. He also served as ambassador to Madrid when President Harrison, president of the United States at the time tasked him with the position. Much of the land that is now on both the west and east sides of Woodward are owned by him until he donated 160 acres of the land to the city of Palmer Park. He gave a speech at the dedication of the fountain, orating that artificial lakes, cascades and fountains such as Merrill Fountain are built to answer the city residents’ craving for the sight of Nature’s water. He stated that these architectural landscapes play an important role in bringing the people’s spirits up. They do their share by cooling the air, pleasing the eyes and soothing the ears of those who are tired of the usual city sights and noise. They are important in supplying the physical desires of people as they try to reconnect with nature’s elements such as water.

Unfortunately, Merrill fountain did not withstand the challenges of weathering and poor maintenance. Since its relocation to Palmer Park in 1926, water has not flowed in its water jets and basin. Detroit’s city officials commissioned an engineering office to assess the necessary repairs in 1950. The problem was, there was no financial fund present to pursue the restoration project. Hopefully, Merrill Fountain would get the restoration it needs just like the spectacular restoration done to Scott Fountain and the repairs done to Grand Circus Park’s Edison Fountain.

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1. Caterina Fountain in Basin

Dimension: 55″H x 82″W x 82″D
Weight: 1934 lbs

2. Three-Tier Renaissance Fountain in Grando Pool

Dimensions: 70″ H x 60″ Dia
Weight: 1,160 Lbs

3. Parisienne Two Tier Fountain

Dimension: 64″H x 83″W
Weight: 2295 lbs

4. Italian 4-Tier Fountain with 74″ Basin 

Dimensions: 84″H x 74″W
Weight: 2472 pounds
Material: Cast Stone

5. Four Seasons Fountain with 46 inch Basin

Dimensions: 52″H x 46″W
Weight: 752 pounds

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