Is it possible that Chicagoans—residents of a river town with a glorious lakefront—are particularly drawn to water? As this book demonstrates, we certainly have a love affair with fountains. And this is the book fountain lovers have been waiting for. In his other books, Greg Borzo has demonstrated his obsession with digging for the telling details of the story, revealing fascinating facts about the Chicago ‘L,’ neighborhood lore best explored by bicycle, and the forgotten history of Chicago’s cable cars. In Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains, Borzo has done it again.”—Geoffrey Baer, Program Host and Producer, WTTW Channel 11 Chicago, from the Foreword “Borzo gives us a sparkling tour of Chicago from an entirely new vantage point: its numerous fountains, both the celebrated and the uncharted. Even lifelong Chicagoans are in store for a rewarding trip to a shimmering side of the city they never fully knew. Here is the fascinating and little-known aquatic history and geography of the city, with all of its jets, sprays, and majestic geysers. In Borzo’s hands, Chicago springs to life in a whole new way.”—Thomas Frisbie, President, Society of Midland Authors “With this book, Borzo has undertaken a worthy project, and we are all in his debt. He invites us to dip into and learn about Chicago’s history, neighborhoods, and character by getting to know better its outdoor public fountains.”—Debra Shore, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, from the Preface “More than a compilation of anecdotes, the chapters encompass diverse fountain types, their artists, creators, and benefactors, and the critical and public reactions to them, while also uncovering connections to the politics and politicians that have influenced this aquatic aspect of Chicago history. What exists today, what changed over time, and what once was are all documented with photos, interviews, and scholarly research. This is another worthy book by Borzo about a seldom recorded and discussed facet of Chicago history.”—Donna Primas, President, Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals Association “Who knew that fountains live lives of drama! Some are cherished, and some are forgotten. Many have friends, but some have sworn enemies. Some are beautiful; some need a facelift. We move fountains; we discard fountains; we even lose fountains. A few lucky fountains get a comeback. Thanks to Greg Borzo, every time you see a fountain, you will wonder, ‘What’s its story?’”—Gary T. Johnson, President, Chicago History Museum "Impressively informed and informative, "Chicago's Fabulous Fountains" is an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover and will aptly serve as an itinerary planning guide to Chicago's many and varied fountains. A unique and thoroughly 'reader friendly' survey, "Chicago's Fabulous Fountains" is unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and academic library collections."—Susan Bethany, Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains could have been titled The Precarious History of Chicago’s Fountains. for as this fascinating book reveals, for every Chicago fountain that was designed, placed in its intended location, and maintained for public enjoyment, there is one that has been dismantled, moved to an obscure site, or left to suffer in sad disrepair. One of the most interesting pieces of social history Borzo’s book reveals concerns drinking fountains. Today, we hardly think of a concrete block with a bubbler on top as a “fountain,” but when drinking fountains were first established, they had an entirely different social and aesthetic function." —-Stephanie Wilson Medlock, Windy City Reviews
