Gushing water. That’s the first thing you notice about the Swann Memorial Fountain. This isn’t just any fountain. This is a masterpiece. Located in the heart of Logan Circle it’s a stunning example of Art Deco design.
The Swann Memorial Fountain wasn’t always a symbol of beauty and refreshment. The spot was once Northwest Square a place of public executions. Imagine the grim history buried beneath this elegant fountain.
This magnificent structure is a tribute to Dr Wilson Cary Swann founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society. His goal was to provide clean drinking water throughout the city. He believed clean water would deter people from drinking alcohol. His legacy lives on in this beautiful fountain.
The fountain itself is a wonder. Created by Alexander Stirling Calder it features three bronze figures representing the Delaware Schuylkill and Wissahickon rivers. A young girl leans against a swan a mature woman holds another swan and a man grasps a bow. The swans a clever pun on Dr Swann’s name.
Calder wasn’t just any sculptor. His father Alexander Milne Calder created the William Penn statue atop City Hall. His son Alexander “Sandy” Calder was famous for his mobiles. The three sculptures are jokingly called the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost.
The fountain’s opening was a joyous occasion. Ten thousand people danced the tango in the surrounding streets on a hot July day in 1924. It was a celebration of a new era a fresh start.
Today the Swann Memorial Fountain stands as a symbol of Philadelphia’s rich history. A place where history and beauty meet. A stunning blend of the city’s past present and future. A testament to the man who dedicated his life to providing clean water.