Arts & Entertainment

Photo of the Day: Eternal Couple at Grand Army Plaza

Today we look at Grand Army Plaza's Bailey Fountain, with a few interesting tidbits on its symbolism and history.

 

The Bailey Fountain in Grand Army Plaza. Thanks to Anthony Tassi for sharing today's shot.

And while we're focusing on the fountain, here's a few interesting tidbits about it from the NYC Parks Department:

Find out what's happening in Prospect Heights-Crown Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • It is named after Brooklyn-based financier and philanthropist Frank Bailey (1865-1953) and his wife Mary Louise Bailey, who donanted $125,000 to build it in the late 1920s.
  • It was preceded by two other fountains. In 1897, five years after the erection in 1892 of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in the plaza, the original fountain--eroded and often inoperative--was removed, and a new “electric” fountain designed by F.W. Darlington was installed. However, the replacement fountain was dismantled in 1915 to allow for the construction of the subway lines beneath the plaza.
  • Architect Edgerton Swarthout and sculptor Eugene Savage designed the fountain, which was completed in 1932.
  • The central bronze sculptures include male and female figures atop the prow of a ship, representing Wisdom and Felicity, surrounded by Neptune, his attendant Triton, and a boy holding a cornucopia. The base is made of large stones imbedded in the foundation, and additional decorative elements with sea motifs adorn the pedestal.

See a photo-worthy Prospect Heights moment? Snap a picture on your phone and e-mail it to Amy.Clark@patch.com and I'll put it on the site. (Or, even better, Upload it to our Pics & Clips section).


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Prospect Heights-Crown Heights