History behind the Anna Woodward memorial fountain

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A piece of Downtown Fresno history is being restored as part of a renovation project at Courthouse Park.

Water is flowing at the Anna Woodward memorial. It is a massive granite display that many probably never knew was a fountain.

The Fresno County Parks Department is restoring the fountain. It dates back to 1921.

It used to sit right in front of the old county courthouse.

Fresno County Parks Department employee David Chavez says about a year ago he found the original brass fountain bowl in storage.

"It was part of the original. So that I think made the difference," Chavez said. "In the mid '60's it was moved from its original location to this location here at l St. and Tulare."

When plans started to emerge for the park's beautification efforts -- the county decided to put the memorial back together.

The marble and brass fittings have fallen victim to vandals over the years, but the county is repairing that damage as well.

"It's like a pipe, within a pipe, within a pipe," Chavez said. "There's three different pipes that secure it to the pedestal. So it makes it virtually theft-proof."

The fountain was built for Oscar J. Woodward, a prominent Fresno banker, in memory of his late wife Anna. Their granddaughter, Atha, designed it.

The plops of water drops coming from the fountain add to other changes in the park. The county recently leveled out uneven sidewalks, and is going through landscape modifications.

Chavez said, "All of those things I think really go far to make this more of a welcoming place to come."

A few brass fittings and decorative medallions need to be installed. The project will be complete in a few weeks.