The Historic “William H. Malone Fountain” of Park Ridge
Many things change over time in the name of progress and modernization. So, when the City of Park Ridge has something beautiful that has survived from a previous era, people tend to rally around it to protect its beauty and longevity for the generations yet to come. This is the case for the historic bronze water fountain that resides on a little triangle plot of land at the corner of Northwest Highway and Cedar Street. Most Park Ridge citizens today refer to it as the water fountain next to Rita’s, where kids and families enjoy relaxing moments with an Italian ice or a frozen custard treat.
The fountain’s formal name is the “Wm. H. Malone Fountain.” William H. Malone was the second mayor of Park Ridge from 1912 to 1914. He is also well known for building the Pickwick Theater. As a civic-minded citizen and community leader, he had a hand in many of the early developments in Park Ridge. And so, in 1926, Mr. Malone commissioned yet another project. He hired a local Park Ridge art colony artist and nationally renowned sculptor, John Paulding, to design a bronze fountain. One article from the time period stated, “Though this work is to be a public benefit and is situated upon a public ground, Mr. Wm. H. Malone, the donor, has generously solved the problem of propriety regarding the water supply, by furnishing a meter, which reading shall be chargeable to him.”
The beautiful bronze fountain was dedicated on July 3, 1926 to much fanfare. The original pamphlet from the fountain dedication of 1926 survives. It was rediscovered in the archives of the Park Ridge Historical Society. The document states that the fountain ceremony included children’s groups, school bands, local dignitaries and religious leaders. The fountain was formally presented by the Hon. Wm. H. Malone and accepted by the Hon. W. W. Hinckley, President of the Park Board. A song was sung by the assembled “Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs and musical pieces were played by the St. Mary’s Training School Band. Remarks were given by Rev. Francis M. C. Smith, Pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Church, and by Rev. H. Richter, Pastor, St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. After the dignitaries and leaders delivered their words to the community, a “Mutt and Pooch Parade” followed! And a proper closing to the ceremony was a patriotic rendering of the Star Spangled Banner. The new bronze fountain was the center of town during its Fourth of July celebration.
The inscription on the fountain still reads, “This fountain was built AD-1926 for the pleasure and refreshment of my friends – my neighbors – and all who may pass this way. Wm. H. Malone – Park Ridge, ILL.” And above this inscription reads another message, “FRIEND OF MAN AND BEAST – WATER!”
People and their “pooches” have been taking a refreshing drink of water from this fountain for 99 years. Our hope is that children, families, citizens of Park Ridge, and their canines will continue to drink from this fountain for the next 100 years and beyond!
By Brian R. Lazzaro – President of the Park Ridge Historical Society