Thomas Ferguson Memorial Drinking Fountain 1911

Summary

Location: South-east corner of University Square, Carlton A square granite fountain with four basins on each side, sitting on a bluestone plinth. Thomas Ferguson devoted his life to the cause of the Total Abstinence Society. The fountain was initially constructed in the centre of Russell Street opposite the Temperance Hall. It was six metres high and far more elaborate than it is today. With the rise in the use of motorcars, such street ornaments became traffic hazards and in 1947 the fountain was badly damaged when a truck hit it. It was later resurrected in a modified from in its current site. Unveiled 1 July 1911