Austin, MN

We want to thank contributor Brittany Lynn for finding this amazing picture for the dedication of the NHA fountain in Austin, MN. Austin received the fountain after Lewis Seaver from the National Humane Alliance visited Austin in August, 1910 to scout out a location for the fountain. John G. Hormel had led the effort to get a fountain for Austin. They decided on a spot on the north end of Main Street at the intersection with Lansing Avenue. The fountain arrived in Austin on April 6, 1911 and as you can see from the picture, it was dedicated fifteen days later. In between, Lyman D. Baird donated the lamp that you see above the fountain in the center of the picture. You may be able to make out some of the 1,700 children from the public and parochial schools who participated. The main speaker, Attorney Jacob Nicholsen encouraged the children to do their very best to care for and protect birds and animals and be part of the "Ensign Club" for their efforts.

 
Austin fountain today


We are pleased to say that the Austin fountain has been preserved and can be found on the Mower County Fairgrounds. We don't currently know when or how it got there, but it looks as though it is great shape.

Click here for more of the Austin story.


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