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2001 NB
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This
jewel of the lakefront--the biggest lawn ornament on the city's front yard
of Grant Park--combines Chicago's love of gorgeous architecture with its
love of the lake. Donated to the city in 1927 by Kate Buckingham in memory
of her brother Clarence, the fountain was designed to emulate (and, at
twice the size, show up) the Latona Basin in Louis
XIV's gardens at Versailles. Its components are arranged to signify
Lake Michigan and the four states (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin)
whose shores it washes. From spring to fall the fountain's central jet
thrusts water several stories into the air, and at night colored lights
embedded in the fountain put on a show. Neither its appearance in the opening
credits of Fox's "Married With Children" nor the fact that it is now operated
electronically from Atlanta can sully this beauty. -NB
-More about
Buckingham Fountain from
the Chicago Landmarks Commission, the Chicago
Public Library, and Visit-Chicago-Illinois.com.
-Breakdown
of Buckingham's jets and lights from the Chicago Park District
-Picture
of Buckingham Fountain from ChicagoUncommon.com |
