Today begins a multi part look at one of Windsor’s more overlooked and most important peices of sculptural work.
From The Evening Record – March 26, 1904
MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
Work of Erection to be Pushed To Completion
The committee in charge of the South African memorial fountain have received proposals for the execution of the work, and after the same have been formally approved of by the Minister of Public Works the project will be pushed to completion.
The design published by The Record, from the drawings of Architects John Scott & Co., contemplates the remodeling and improving of the entire ground in front of the federal building, providing a broad and easy approach to the post office as a part of the plan.The material selected is a light buff stone that will harmonize with that of the building, and the specifications provide for the repaving of the ground out to the street, lines the rectangular space occupied by the memorial being defined by massive barrier posts of granite. The fountain proper will be placed over the tiled paved exedra, which is flanked on either side by benches wrought in stone. The central feature of the memorial will be the large tablet over the fountain executed in bronze in heavy relief depicting a battle scene typical of the South African Warfare. Approximate inscriptions and legends will be placed on the memorial describing its history and purport.
An effective scheme of lighting the memorial is provided for by ornamental bronze lamp standards placed near the angles of the platforms at the east and west ends and by brilliant holapane globes on top of the stone columns on each side of the fountain,
HOW THE IDEA ORIGINATED
The idea of erecting a memorial to the Windsor boys who lost their lives in South Africa originated with their comrades-in-arms. The intention at first was to erect a monument but it was later decided that a fountain would be more useful and fitting. The veterans’ mothers’ committee set diligently to work and succeeded in raising considerable money to be devoted to the cause. When it was finally decided to erect the fountain a subscription list was circulated and about $1,700 subscribed, $800 or $900 of which has been paid in. As will be seen by the accompanying out and description the fountain will be an elaborate one and it will be necessary to raise about $300 or $400 more. The city council was interested in the project and voted $300 towards the fountain, and when it was suggested to build it at the federal building, the government took an interest in the scheme and also gave assistance. The propriety of using Canadian materials in its construction was broached but it has been found that Canadian stone is unsuited for the purpose and it is more than probable that Bedford stone, which is procured in Indiana will be used. This stone is very fine and takes a polish like a marble. It is proposed to have the fountain completed by Civic holiday which it will probably be formally dedicated.
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Isn't this thing in Jackson Park? When I first saw it I believe it was at the head of Ouellette Ave before Ouellette was extended further south, through the park. It was then moved a short distance eastward and is still lurking nearby, one of Windsor's lost treasures, hidden in plain sight. I don't recall ever seeing water flowing through it though, which is a shame. Didn't even realize it had been a fountain until now. Great work bringing this out Andrew. Where was the federal building?
The Federal Building they are talking about is the old post office.
It was moved to Jackson Park when the old one was demolished and replaced with the current Paul Martin Building.
More to come tomorrow on this fountain...
This is oneof my favourite sculptures in Windsor. Too bad they haven't or won't fix the fountain itself. Now with the bowl removed (in so-called safe storage) and the fish bashed off of the front it may never be truly restored.
This is very sad considering not only is it a monument to brave men who fought a very difficult war but that Windsor continues to ignore the little things that can make this city look great. Fountains, in all of their glory whether new or old add a dimension that cannot be overlooked.
I also love the wide sidewalks and berms. Too bad we have removed so much sidewalks to accomodate cars....Where is the pedestrian feeling of scale when we walk through our commercial districts?
Ever do any research into the second Boer War (that this monument commemorates)? This was hardly anything to be proud of. The British quest for gold, and the use of concentration camps should have us hanging our heads in shame. Feeding women and children food laced with broken glass is hardly Britain's proudest moment!
Anyway, that's what I think of when I see this. What a tragedy that young Canadian's died for that.
The bowl is in safe storage or in the dump? You mean they're saving all the broken pieces? I recall seeing the bowl after being shattered by vandals and a week later I saw a mason crew levelling it off and cleaning off the graffitti from the other parts. They mentioned that they wouldn't be putting another bowl back on because it would just get vandalized again. It's sad there's people in this city who get kicks doing this sort of stuff. It's just as bad as the tomb stones being broken in the cemetary behind the old jail. It's worse that no one from one of the high rises saw it and called the cops. Why does Jackson Park accumulate so much graffitti?? Is it the students from Kennedy?
I don't think it's necessarily the kids from Kennedy. Catholic central is also nearby. Regrettably there is a small, general vein of disrespect running through this entire generation and they could come from anywhere in the city. There are many students who work doing community service to clean up this sort of thing.
If it is the kids from KCI, I'll drive the 800 miles back to Windsor and smack as many as I have to upside the head. When I was at KCI in the early 90s we used to hang out by the fountains on almost every nice lunch hour of the school year. Great place for studying, daydreaming and, er, other fun activities...
MJD, what year did you graduate? I too am an alumni of ol' KCI.
Dan, for those soldiers who fought it had nothing to do with the policies of the Empire at that time. It had everything to do with loyalty to the crown and the need for a paycheque. I wouldn't disagree that they don't "deserve" a monument due to the polcies of horrible leaders or the the heads of Great Britain. They had a job to do in horrible conditions and they did it.
Do you still spit on Viet Nam vets as well?