Rosenberg Fountain (in Grant Park)

Joseph Rosenberg (1848-91) left a bequest for a fountain in Chicago “to provide the thirsty with a drink.” During his youth here as a newsboy, Rosenberg could never convince local Chicago merchants to spare him a drink. Consequently, he vowed that if he were ever wealthy, he would create a fountain for newsboys to quench their thirst on hot days. He later moved to San Francisco and made a fortune, never forgetting his vow. The fountain was erected at the south end of Grant Park near his childhood home on South Michigan Avenue. The 11-foot tall bronze figure holding a goblet and pitcher represents Hebe, daughter of Zeus and Hera. As the Goddess of Youth and the Cupbearer to the Gods, Hebe symbolizes rejuvenation. Rosenberg’s fountain was installed 2 years after he died. German sculptor Franz Machtl created bronze sculpture which was cast in Munich. The drinking fountain is enclosed by a columned structure which emulates a miniature Greek temple.  Chicago architects Bauer and Hill designed the Greek inspired structure.  It reads, “Presented by Joseph Rosenberg San Francisco, Cal.” The Chicago Park District restored the fountain and its sculpture in 2004.