What is the Berger Memorial Fountain?

The fountain that stands on The University of Arizona campus located on the west side of Old Main is called the Alexander Berger Memorial Fountain. This fountain is the first memorial on our college campus and remembers the students who died from World War 1. Alexander Berger, from Virginia, was a Tucson resident with his brother Harry from the time 1915 to 1944. Alexander's nephew and brother's son had attended the University of Arizona and was sent off to World War 1. Alex and twelve other grads ended up losing their lives. Alexander then donated $5,000 to the construction of the fountain in front of The Old Main. It now stands in the name of Alexander Berger Memorial. As Berger remained a resident of Tucson, he spent some of his time donating money to other sites, one being The Temple of music and art, as it also stands in memory of Alexander's wife. The fountain was designed by Jack Lyman and Roy place and was also contracted by Fred. E. Walsh. The site was then later dedicated to another Tucson visitor as it was finished upon construction. The construction of the site began in 1919 and still stands today. Below is a list of the 13 names of students who had passed from the war. Including the nephew of Alex and the 12 other students, this monument remains in memory.

•  Alexander T. Berger
• William O. Bloys
• Hugh D. Campbell
• Corlande B. Curry
• Kare T. Hurst
• Sylvan Irvine
• James S. Jones
• Ritchie W. Jones
• Louis E. Kengla
• Leonard Low
• Morgan B. McDermott
• Cornelis Molenbeek
• Jose U. Salazar
• Leslie A. Waterbury 
• Homer D. Whipp

This picture displays the fountain in the time of 1919. Picture found on google. 

Function Of The Fountain

Students would gather at the fountain for the sun and dip their feet in the water. The fountain remained in circulation to everything else on campus. This was the primary spot students accumulated to as various activities were also being performed in front of the memorial. Students then began misusing the monument as it became a place newcomers were being hazed. Students were using the water in the fountain to splash and drown one another along with this wrongdoing. These newcomers also known as freshmen were not longer allowed at the site.  Not only was the problem coming from the students, but the maintenance expenses were getting too high and could no longer be kept up with. Other problems surrounded the fountain with such things as dogs jumping in the water. The more dog fur that ended up in the fountain the more they were required to clean the water by draining it. These extra costs needed for the drainage of the fountain, were non existent. Later on, it was brought as a suggestion to gather a group of people or students who would be willing to donate the finances to start up the fountain again. The students protested that the monument remains a tradition to our campus and adds culture. It was then voted to stay and start up the water again. Although the students and group of people were suggested to pay the expenses, the director of physical resources addressed he would find another way to get the money. The water was then filled up, and the fountain still stands on our campus to add culture and tradition. 

The location

The fountain stands in front of Old Main, which is in the center of the University of Arizona Mall. Old Main is a local gathering spot for tourists and students as it adds culture to the University. The Old Main building is used as a meeting point for college tours, clubs, and photos displayed by the University. Many graduation pictures are done at this exact spot and activities that are still performed in front of the building. Ceremonies were performed then and still now especially during COVID. As the fountain has gone through changes over time, so has the building of Old Main. This building is the oldest structure as it was the first build on campus. Stories muster behind the building as some still believe it to be haunted to this day. Although the Old Main building was the agriculture building, it is now used most commonly for meeting points rather than going inside the building. Videos are shot as well as pictures in front of the building on the top and bottom floor. Old Main is shown in ways where the audience wants to put an image to our University. Without these monuments, The University Of Arizona would not be the same as it is today.

This photo shows the location of The Berger Memorial Fountain. It is placed right in front of The Old Main. Picture is found from google.

Before The Fountain

Before the fountain was constructed just stood land before the Old Main building was constructed. Before Old Main had switched its name, it stood for the agriculture building where classes were taught in classrooms along with the building containing dorms and offices. As the building has been renovated it now stands in front of the fountain. The fountain contains 13 spouts, one for each of the soldiers who had passed. The fountain contains benches where students can sit or rest in between classes or just to catch some sun. 

This photo shows the General and groups of people gathering in celebration of the fountain. This photo is found on google.

Sources

• https://nrotc.arizona.edu/berger-memorial-fountain
• https://www.pdc.arizona.edu/project/11-9023
• https://parentseyes.arizona.edu/node/678
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFBT65EZ09I