Here at Ogden Park stands a testament to community spirit. This is the WWII Memorial Fountain. Dedicated on July 4 1945 it marked Independence Day with a special ceremony. Area residents funded this fountain through tireless efforts. A community carnival in Ogden Park helped raise money.
Frederick C Hibbard a South Side resident created the fountain. He was an accomplished sculptor. The octagonal fountain is made of cornelian red polished granite. It bears an inscription. The inscription honors the men and women of the community. They bravely served in World War II.
Hibbard created a similar memorial fountain in Trumbull Park later. It was a more substantial memorial. He also made other sculptures for Chicago parks. These include the Carter Harrison Memorial. Also the Greene Vardiman Black Monument. And the Garden Figure and Eagle Fountains.
This WWII Memorial Fountain stands west of the field house. It is more than just a drinking fountain. It represents a community’s gratitude. They honored those who served during a difficult time.
The WWII Memorial Fountain embodies unity. Every denomination creed and political belief came together. They secured this memorial. South Deering can be proud of this achievement. Every nationality represented showed all American achievement.
The community dedicated this fountain. It happened on November 23 1947. Prominent civic industrial and military officials attended. Many Trumbull Park community members were present. It took 29 months of planning and fundraising. This was before the fountain could be realized.
Before becoming an artist Hibbard worked as an electrical engineer. He studied at the School of the Art Institute. He became a prolific Chicago sculptor. His works include the General Ulysses S Grant Monument. It is located at Vicksburg National Park. Also the Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Monument. You can find it in Racine Wisconsin. Another is the Wallach Fountain in Burnham Park.