The Clarence Buckingham Fountain
Thursday, 26th May 2005 by Alex Turnbull
Dedicated in 1927, the Clarence Buckingham Fountain was a gift to the city of Chicago by somebody I've never heard of, to her brother Clarence. Apparently.
Much more interesting is that it's the fountain featured in the opening credits of Married With Children! What's also quite cool is that the fountain's night-time light shows are actually used to be controlled by a computer located in Atlanta, Georgia (but have now moved to Chicago I'm afraid).
The fountain is in Grant Park, and judging by the large wet patch on the ground I'd say that the Windy City had a fairly strong southwesterly blowing that day! Also, check out the colour of the water, very cool.
Thanks to Peter, Justine, David Drexler, Rick Baer, Marcin and Chris Granger.
About the author
Alex has decided that his title will be Senior Vice President of Stuff.
If I’m not mistaken, the fountain’s controls used to be in Atlanta, but are now in Chicago. And I’ve never seen it perform any light shows or anything like that. It seems to have about two or three different settings that it just stays on.
Corey is correct that the controls used to be in Atlanta, but they are now in Chicago. However there is a night show. I have never actually been standing near it when it happens, but I have heard the music and a bit of the lights.
Buckingham Fountain is a really nice place and everyone should go see it while they are in Chicago. As a Chicagoan I forget it is there. When you visit be careful though, con artists like to hang out there. Once had a guy offer to clean my shoes with special stuff all the way from Arizona there for only $6 per shoe, not including tip.
My ancestor, Kate Buckingham, donated the money to build Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. It was dedicated in memory to her brother, Clarence Buckingham, in 1927. He was the Director of the Art Institute. They came from a very wealthy family.
I was there last night (June 16, 2009) and there is a brief show with the changing of the colors and very faint music. You have to stay in one place or you may miss it.