Kalamazoo: Then and Now


Fountain of the Pioneers, Bronson Park, c1940

 

The Fountain of the Pioneers was designed by noted Italian architect and designer, Alfonso Ianelli. Built partially with WPA funding, the fountain is a memorial to the forced removal of the area's Native American population by the federal government.

Kalamazoo Public Library Photograph, P-901

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Fountain of the Pioneers, Bronson Park, Winter 2010

 

Over the years, the fountain has been the subject of controversy, with many individuals calling for its removal in lieu of continual maintenance. At the core of the controversy is the sculpture at the center of the photo above which depicts a European settler, facing west and elevated over a Native American in a posture of submission.

Peter J. Klebba, Western Michigan University, School of Art, 2010

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Fountain of the Pioneers, Bronson Park, Spring 2010

Christen Woodruff, Western Michigan University, School of Art, 2010

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