Recent Controversy

In 2005 the city of Kalamazoo began to look at restoring the fountain. The 65-year-old fountain was showing signs of deterioration. The lights and electrical parts were also in need of repair. 

Along the side of the upper pool, a wheat motif is featured. This is an inaccurate representation of local history because wheat was not grown by the Native Americans of this area.

Another feature that is considered inaccurate is the western plains-style headdress. Local Potawatomi did not wear this style. These two details question if Iannelli was trying to represent local history or if he was just simply employing a common Native stereotype.

This painting was created by artist George Winters and features a Potawatomi woman. Winters was known for his accurate representation of Native American dress in 1800s. Many of his illustrations depict scenes from the time period surrounding the time of the Removal Act of 1830.

The difference in the positions of the two figures is apparent; the Native American is on the lower pool, making him appear lower then the Pioneer. However, is the Native American figure standing in "noble resistance" to the pioneer's expansion westward? Or is he kneeling as ".... a white solider beats him to his knees."? These details have people searching for the meaning behind the fountain.