Four Seasons Fountain

Pictured in the winter of 1953, and again in late January of 2017.

Thick snow blankets the area in the archive photo. Cars are seen parked along Union Drive, and the Campanile is also in the background. (Read about the Campanile here)

The scenery has undergone substantial changes since 1953. The area around the fountain has since been renovated and now includes benches, as well as new sidewalks through the area. The large sign reading “Iowa State University,” a popular attraction for students and those visiting the campus, has also been built between Union Drive and the Campanile. There is also a nice snowman built by a student in front of the sign.

According to the Memorial Union’s Traditions website, the original fountain was added in 1937 as a gift from the VEISHEA Committee. Sculptor Christian Petersen added the four statues later in 1942. Each of the four statues represents one of the four seasons.

Christian Petersen was born in 1885 in Dybol, Denmark, and moved to America in 1894.

Six years later, he took up several apprenticeships throughout New Jersey and Rhode Island.

It would not be until the 1920s that Petersen would receive sculpture commissions in Iowa.

In 1934, Petersen began leaving his legacy on the Iowa State College campus. He was a resident sculptor and became an associate professor in 1955.

Christian Petersen has many sculptures around campus, including outside of Oak/Elm, outside of the library and the College of Veterinary Medicine among other areas.

Petersen died in 1961.