For the past nine months I have been working to raise the needed funds to save the Brooks Memorial Fountain in the center of Marshall. This fountain was built in 1930 and originally dedicated at Marshall’s centennial celebration. The work is almost complete and we plan to re-dedicate the Fountain on May 16th at 11 a.m. As we come to a close on Phase I of the fundraising it amazes me how a small town can rally together for something they all believe in. The community of Marshall raised $250,000 in just nine months!! We had piggy banks emptied and turned in, kids did their own pop can drives and rummage sales selling their old toys, held talent shows, bake sales and pancake breakfasts. The generosity of the people of this small town in this economic climate has touched me very deeply and I realize how truly blessed I am to call Marshall “home”.
(this was published in the Marshall Advisor on Saturday April 18, 2009)
Winter leaves us with a sense of longing. At the end of a long winter we all yearn for that first green shoot to peek out from under the snow. That first sign that spring is really coming back, that it hasn’t left us with a cold, barren landscape and gray skies. Yet, we tend to forget that while things are cold and frozen on the surface, deep below the ground wonderful transformations are taking place. Nature is working its magic so that when warmer weather returns there is a jubilant celebration. Mother Nature shows off once again and reminds us why we endure these wicked Michigan winters. “What does this have to do with the Fountain (or lack there of at the current moment)?” you may ask. It has everything to do with the Fountain! During the winter months while we have endured seeing the Brooks Memorial Fountain in less than her normal splendor, wonderful things have been happening below the surface! City workers have been diligently working to replace electrical systems, run conduit, replacing plumbing, installing new pumps, motors and relays. New columns have been cast, sent for approval and delivered awaiting their grand unveiling. New LED lights have been ordered and sit patiently under the surface for that faithful evening in May when they too can show off their colors. Warmer weather has finally arrived and so the flurry of activity below ground is now evident, not only in our gardens but at the Fountain as well! The old columns are being carefully removed and the new ones set into place. The final coat of sealer, primer and paint will be applied to the entire fountain. The new circular concrete surround will be poured. All the park benches have been refinished and will be placed so that admirers can spend a lazy summer evening basking in the glow of the Fountain’s light show. The transformation will be complete on May 16, 2009 and while the official start of summer isn’t until June 21, we in Marshall know that when the Fountain is turned on, summer has arrived! The Give to the Fountain Today committee has been working tirelessly on raising the needed funds to make this restoration project possible. In just nine short months we have raised $250,000. This is such a wonderful tribute to the community of Marshall! Now, with May 16th quickly approaching, time is of the essence! If everyone in Marshall gave just $5, the cost of your favorite latte or value meal, we would exceed our repair bills and begin to build the endowment fund for future fountain restorations. We would like to invite you to Fountain Park on May 16th at 11 a.m. as we re-dedicate the Brooks Memorial Fountain. Join us for SOFO (South of the Fountain) later that day, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Dark Horse Brewing Company for a celebration and silent auction. The Fountain was a gift to the city and the citizens have given back. Let’s celebrate and honor our beacon of hospitality as she stands in the center of town ready to greet those who are just passing by, those who sit by her side and those who hold memories of her in their heart. What would Marshall be without her Fountain? Thankfully we will never have to find out.
