CC SA-BY Our Oakland
The McElroy Fountain was dedicated September 17, 1911, in memory of the four-time city attorney, John E. McElroy who died at age 39. It was constructed at a cost of $14,000, with $4,000 coming from private sources and $10,000 coming from the city of Oakland. The original plan for the park included a fountain, and after McElroy's death, it was suggested it be a memorial to him.
"This elegant marble fountain and basin, with bas-relief panels designed by famed sculptor Douglas Tilden, was erected to McElroy's memory in Lakeside Park, not far from his family home in the Adams Point neighborhood. It was the first piece of public art funded jointly by the city and by private subscriptions." -from Oakland, by Annalee Allen
In 2011, a group of citizens cleaned and repaired the fountain in preparation for its 100th birthday. 1
San Francisco Call July 26, 1911
Commercial Photo Co. 2
Photos
Photos CC SA-BY Our Oakland unless otherwise noted.
Links and References
- Mayor Chosen For Dedication Speech San Francisco Call July 26, 1911
- McElroy Fountain Oakland website
- BANC PIC 1971.069:17--PIC UC Berkeley Bancroft Library
