Fontaine – Candélabre Latham – Oakland – USA

Inscriptions

A GIFT TO/THE CITY OF OAKLAND/FROM/EDGAR L. BOTTNER/CIVIC LEADER &/PHILANTHROPIST/1897-1990

Historique

Featuring Diana, the moon goddess, the Latham-Ducel fountain was made in Paris of cast iron, and originally stood on the grounds of the Latham Mansion at 17th and Jackson Streets. When the mansion was torn down in 1957, the fountain was moved to Knowland Park. Later it was moved to downtown Oakland, where it was part of a memorial to Daniel P. Collins, an executive secretary to Mayor Houlihan. In the 1980's the sculpture was moved to its current location.

The fountain was purchased by the Latham family in Paris in the 1870's and brought to Oakland. It was located at the Latham mansion until 1957 when the mansion was demolished. After being removed from the grounds of Latham Mansion, the fountain served as a centerpiece for a flower show. In 1957 it was moved to Knowland Park. It was later moved to downtown Oakland where it served as a memorial to Daniel P. Collins, executive secretary to Mayor Houlihan. In the 1980's it was moved to its current location in Preservation Park. Nearby plaque: A GIFT TO/THE CITY OF OAKLAND/FROM/EDGAR L. BOTTNER/CIVIC LEADER &/PHILANTHROPIST/1897-1990. IAS files contain related article from Oakland Heritage Alliance News, Spring 1983.