Hamilton Fountain

Albin Polasek
1919; Bronze; Fountain
Central Campus; North University Avenue near corner of State Street

Gift of Francis Hamilton, mayor of Ann Arbor 1905–07, who bequeathed money to City of Ann Arbor for a fountain in this location (he died in 1914). The figures in the bas relief represent Youth, Labor, Poetry and Philosophy. The artist stated that it was his aim to make something “dignified, with a touch of youthful delight.” The fountain was unveiled at Commencement 1919 and dedicated at the 50th anniversary of Hamilton’s graduation from U-M (1869).