Serving the heart of California since 1892

Kids fought to find fountain

Group of women standing around the historic Madera fountain, built in 1908, in Madera, California.
Four women gather around the historic Madera fountain, a local landmark from 1908, in Madera, California.

Originally published on Aug. 17, 2017.

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Some time back, as I drove past that old Women’s Christian Temperance Union water fountain on the corner of Yosemite and D Street, a memory from our past came to mind. It included a couple of kids from Sierra Vista School, both of whom must be around 30 years old by now. One was Zach Pruitt, and the other was Antonio Ramirez.

Thanks to their curiosity and persistence, and some help from some local politicians, Madera’s landmark water fountain was found and finally brought home.

The WCTU monument, which looms large in the memories of many long-time Maderans, was reinstalled on its original site at the corner of Yosemite Avenue and D Street after being missing for quite a spell.

Allen Baraldi

Staff Photographer
559-674-2424

Tyler Takeda

News Editor / Sports Editor
559-674-2424

Nancy Simpson

Publisher & CFO​
559-674-2424

Shirley James

Graphic Artist
559-674-2424

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