Behold the Thatcher Fountain a testament to love, loyalty, and learning. It stands tall at the north end of City Park’s Esplanade. This magnificent fountain honors Joseph Addison Thatcher. He was a celebrated businessman who greatly contributed to Colorado in the 19th century.
The Thatcher Fountain was dedicated in 1918. Joseph Addison Thatcher made a significant impact on Colorado. He moved to Colorado at the age of 22. There he established a successful mercantile endeavor in Central City. His career shifted to banking in 1863. He became manager of Warren Hussey & Company. Eventually, he acquired the bank. He renamed it Thatcher, Standley & Company. In 1874, it became the First National Bank of Central City. In 1882, Thatcher relocated to Denver. He assumed the role of president at The Denver National Bank.
Thatcher was deeply involved in the community. He supported musical organizations. He supported beautification projects. He even authored a book called “A Colorado Outing”. It highlighted travel destinations within the state.
Sculptor Loredo Taft from Chicago created the bronze statues in 1917. The Thatcher Fountain features a central bronze statue. It depicts a garbed woman in robes with a sword. She stands proudly on a granite base. Three additional bronze sculptures encircle the marble basin. Each sculpture represents a virtue. These virtues are inscribed below each vignette.
Consider “Loyalty”. A male figure in armor stands tall. A female figure on his left holds an olive branch. A helmet with laurels symbolizes victory in battle. Now consider “Learning”. A robed female stands. She holds a book as a boy leans on it. To their left, a man stands with a young girl. She perches on a pile of books. Finally, there is “Love”. A female figure stands. A male suitor leans in on her left. The woman appears bashful. A small cupid sits on her shoulders.
The Thatcher Fountain was intended to be a main entry into City Park. It was a gift from Joseph Addison Thatcher. He was a pioneer banker. He gifted it to the people of Denver. The cost was $100,000. Architect J.R.M. Morison assisted Lorado Taft. The fountain stands 34 feet high. The central bronze female figure is 18 feet high. She holds a sword and shield. The base is made of granite. Water flows between the blocks. It flows from an upper pool into lower basins. It ends in the lowest round pool.
Joseph Thatcher passed away on October 25, 1918. His final resting place is Fairmount Cemetery. The Thatcher Memorial stands as a tribute to his life. It also embodies the values he cherished. The Thatcher Fountain serves as a reminder of love, loyalty, and learning.