Keep Fountain Square's Fountains Flowing and FSQ Beautiful.

Hi, I’m Benson Higgins, a proud resident of Fountain Square here in Indianapolis. Like many of you, I care deeply about our neighborhood — its history, its character, and its future.

That’s why I’ve launched this multiyear fundraiser to support SEND (Southeast Neighborhood Development) and help raise money for their ongoing work — especially their effort to restore and maintain our beloved public fountains in the heart of Fountain Square.

This is meant to be an ongoing effort, the funds raised go towards SENDS efforts to keep the Fountains an Icon of the Square and maintaining the beauty of the area.

I will also personally work towards these efforts by getting my hands dirty and assist in routine clean up and project management to keep the fountains and fountain square area beautiful.

These fountains — Lady Spray and the Pioneer Family sculpture — aren’t just pretty landmarks. They’re symbols of our neighborhood’s past, places where generations of residents have gathered, celebrated, and built community.

Together, we can make sure they keep flowing for decades to come.

History of Fountain Square Fountains and Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND)

Lady Spray Fountain (Fountain Square, Indianapolis)

The Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis takes its very name from its historic fountain. In 1889, local business owners funded the city’s first public drinking fountain at the central intersection of Virginia Avenue, Prospect Street, and Shelby Street. This Victorian-era fountain — affectionately nicknamed “Lady Spray” — featured a classical cast-iron design with basins for both people and horses, crowned by a seminude statue of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth.

Lady Spray quickly became a community landmark, offering refreshment to travelers (and their horses) and beautifying the end of the city’s streetcar line. It even spurred local efforts to pave the square surrounding it. Unfortunately, the original fountain was destroyed in the 1910s — reports vary, citing either a toppled banner or a vehicle accident as the cause.

After nearly a century away, Lady Spray returned to Fountain Square. In 2009–2010, a fourth-generation fountain was installed — cast from historic molds and topped once again with a reproduction of Hebe. The project, which cost approximately $650,000, had been planned for more than a decade and was supported by both the city and the local community. The new fountain was dedicated in 2010 as a restored centerpiece for the neighborhood.

In 2019, the Lady Spray fountain was cleaned and renovated once more as part of a broader city initiative, with ongoing maintenance supported by SEND and local groups.

Architectural Significance

The modern Lady Spray fountain stays true to its 19th-century roots: a decorative cast-iron basin and pedestal topped by the classical figure of Hebe pouring water from a pitcher. Its location at the heart of Fountain Square continues to symbolize the renewal of the community and its connection to historic identity.

Pioneer Plaza Fountain (Ralph Hill Memorial / Pioneer Family Fountain)

After the original Lady Spray fountain was removed, Fountain Square gained a new landmark. In 1924, the city dedicated the Ralph Hill Memorial Fountain — now known as the Pioneer Family fountain — funded through a bequest from U.S. Congressman Ralph Hill and directed by Mayor Lew Shank.

The bronze Pioneer Family sculpture was created by Myra Reynolds Richards, a well-known Indianapolis sculptor and instructor at the Herron Art Institute. It depicts a rugged family of settlers, honoring Indiana’s pioneer heritage and Hill’s legacy. The fountain became a beloved symbol of the neighborhood.

In 1954, the city removed the fountain due to traffic concerns, relocating the sculpture to Garfield Park. Public outcry and community efforts eventually led to its return in 1969. After a refurbishment, the sculpture was rededicated in 1979 at the central intersection.

In 2009, with renewed investment in public art, the Pioneer Family statue was moved slightly off the traffic median into the newly developed Pioneer Plaza. This allowed the original Lady Spray fountain to return to the center of the square. The two now work together to define the visual and cultural heart of the neighborhood.

In 2019, the Pioneer Family fountain and plaza were again renovated and maintained with support from SEND.

Cultural Significance

The Pioneer Family statue holds deep meaning as both public art and a memorial to local leadership and heritage. Created by one of the most notable female sculptors of the time, the statue is a lasting example of early 20th-century civic pride and remains a gathering point in the revitalized Pioneer Plaza.

Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND)

Southeast Neighborhood Development, Inc. (SEND) is a nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to revitalizing Southeast Indianapolis, especially neighborhoods like Fountain Square.

SEND’s roots trace back to the 1980s, when neighborhood groups began organizing to reverse urban decline. In 1993, these efforts formally merged into SEND. The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, honoring decades of impact.

Mission

“To revitalize the near southeast side of Indianapolis and to enhance the quality of life of its diverse spectrum of residents.”

SEND focuses on:

Affordable housing

Small business development

Public space improvements

Community organizing and advocacy

Key Accomplishments

Built or rehabilitated 130+ homes and 135 affordable rental units

Completed 400+ home repair projects for long-time residents

Renovated and leased 150,000+ square feet of commercial space

Awarded $420,000+ in façade grants and COVID-relief funding to small businesses

Developed or supported 11 public parks and spaces, including:

Lady Spray Fountain

Pioneer Plaza

Fountain Square Plaza

SEND’s work has leveraged over $40 million in investments across housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity in Southeast Indy — all while preserving local heritage and empowering residents.

The above summary of SEND is based on publicly available information from sendcdc.org and related community reports. This campaign is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by SEND.

This fundraiser is independently organized by me, Benson Higgins, and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by SEND.

80% of the funds raised will be donated directly to SEND’s Fountain Fund, supporting the restoration and long-term maintenance of the Lady Spray and Pioneer Family fountains that keep it flowing.

20% of funds will go toward outreach and fundraising-related costs, including promotional materials, campaign operations, supplies and labor that I will do personally.

Proof of all work and efforts will be posted here.

This is not a tax-deductible donation, as GoFundMe contributions to personal fundraisers do not qualify for charitable tax deduction.

Thank you for helping keep the heart of Fountain Square flowing.