The Broadway Fountain of Madison, Indiana

The Broadway Fountain of Madison, Indiana did not originate in Indiana. “The fountain was originally exhibited in Philadelphia in 1876 (U.S.).” “After the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition closed, the Madison Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows purchased the fountain and presented it to the city in 1884 (U.S.).” What makes this fountain so special? “It is one of only four remaining of this style in the world (U.S.).”

The Madison Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows was looking for a way to “regain the momentum it had lost to the railroads with a public drinking fountain (Untitled).” “Crozier told Joe that they needed something out of the normal order to catch the attention and interest of the public (Untitled).” “There’s not one place in Madison where a stranger can get a drink of water (Untitled).” “Why don’t we Odd Fellows take the lead, conduct a campaign, install a good, clean drinking fountain in Madison with pure water, and make it all happen next Spring (Untitled)?” The individual lodges did not want to spend money from their treasury to build the fountains. So after many meetings, they decided to have a Grand Fair to raise money to build the fountain. The great flood of 1884 came “roaring down the Ohio River in late January or early February (Untitled).” The flood left many homeless, put the fountain on hold, and took the city three months to recover. The people who did not want a fountain to begin with began arguing that there should be sources of fresh drinking water above flood levels and that the fountain business needed to be put to rest and that the money needed to be spent on driven wells and hydrants. After a vote of 5-4, the original fountain plan was carried out. The next dilemma the Odd...

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...ical systems in the basement beneath the fountain which houses its pumps.” “Hopefully the work will move along swiftly and smoothly allowing the Broadway Fountain to be re-activated; returning it to its full glory which we have all come to know and love (Long).”

Today, the fountain remains as a historical landmark for Madison, Indiana. People use the fountain as a backdrop for their weddings. During the summer, a monthly concert is held in the park. “The events are organized by Visit Madison and the Madison Main Street Program Concerts at Broadway Fountain in Madison Indiana (Free Music)." “They encourage residents to bring their own chair and come enjoy a night of music and dancing (Free Music)” At Christmas, the fountain is decorated with white lights. Downtown Madison remains a historical community and the Broadway Fountain adds to the history of the city.