Look just ahead for a chunky, gray concrete structure with a strong, horizontal shape-planters on top and detailed carvings peeking out from a square opening; it’s right on the brick-paved plaza, easy to spot if you face the corner of Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street.
Alright, as you stand in front of the Horse Show Fountain-officially called the Wright-Bock Fountain-imagine the year is 1909. Horses clip-clop past you, their breath puffing in the cool morning as elegant ladies and dapper gentlemen in hats gather for the grand Oak Park Horse Show. This spot isn’t just for people; it’s a pit stop for humans, horses, and even the occasional parched pup. Now, picture the original fountain right here, just a little closer to the street, its fresh concrete a gathering point for the whole community.
But this isn’t *quite* the original you’re seeing-a bit of a magic trick! Over the decades, weather and time wore out the fountain, until in 1969, the town gave it a fresh start, reconstructing it from the ground up and moving it about a hundred feet back to where you stand now. The concrete you see today? It’s rougher, sprinkled with pebble-like textures, and the planters-lined with shiny zinc-overflow with cheerful flowers instead of thirsty hooves. Even the fountains at either side once slaked the thirst of dogs and horses, but today, they’re flower beds.
The fountain itself is a puzzle of strong horizontals and sturdy verticals. That big slab on top acts as a planter, and below it, two panels-one from the original-bear interesting inscriptions. Can you spot the one held up by two sculpted figures, almost as if they’re showing off their artwork to all who pass? It reads “Erected in 1909 Oak Park Horse Show Association,” and above it, leafy branches seem to burst out, celebrating the past. Right below, the remake’s dedication panel reminds us: “Wright-Bock Plaza Fountain restored 1969”-like a badge for the work done to bring this landmark back to life.
Here comes the twist-nobody’s quite sure who designed it! Sculptor Richard Bock might have dreamed up much of the fountain, but legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright could not resist putting his own stamp on things. Some say it was Wright who insisted on that striking open center, transforming a simple water trough into architectural art. Turns out, teamwork can make even a drinking fountain legendary, though it sometimes leads to squabbles over who gets credit.
At night, hidden lights beneath the dedication plates make the sculpture glow, as if the spirits of Bock and Wright are still arguing gently about who truly designed it. In a playful twist, while Scoville Park itself is an officially recognized historic district, this fountain-because it’s a replica-is the outsider at the party, not quite old enough for full honors.
So, while you’re here, touch the rough concrete, trace the triangles and pyramids cut into its surface, and imagine the hundreds of horses, dogs, and people who once lined up for a drink. Even in makeover mode, the Horse Show Fountain still holds a splash of history-and a big pour of local pride.
