Fountains

As part of a large remodeling program the pair of fountains at the East Washington side of the Capitol Square have been replaced. No doubt the plumbing was in bad shape, and they needed replacement, but I’m sorry to see them go.

The old fountains had a touch of Wisconsin character. They were made of layers of brick with rounded edges, were about six feet wide and three feet high, and resembled nothing quite so much as a stack of cow pies—which is altogether fitting and proper for the Dairy State.

I haven’t seen the new structures in action yet, but the fountain portion seems much smaller now. Most of the structure is now large stone-face blocks, suitable for carving and decoration. It looks like the water will now be cascading down a set of oddly shaped basins with a vaguely gynecological aspect.

There isn’t room on the sidewalk for something more classical, with naiads and tritons. And too many people would get drenched if it were something like the water fountain sculpture by the Engineering Hall. And I suppose the State Capitol needs to be a little bit dignified. Pity.