In 1905, plans were made to move Drake Fountain to accommodate construction of a new county building. But where would it end up? During a heated meeting in December 1905, aldermen balked at the $3,300 cost to remove then maintain the fountain. Sculptor Lorado Taft said the city could afford to let this Columbus statue be put out to pasture, “It is not an absolute disgrace, but it is a question whether it would be approved today by the municipal art commission. For one thing, it is wholly out of proportion.” Public works commissioner J.M. Patterson noted, “while it is not a distinguished work of art, (the fountain’s) existence is justified by the fact that thousands of persons drink its water daily,” the Tribune reported. The fountain was temporarily relocated to the LaSalle Street side of city hall.
