The official nomination letter was penned by Marshall two-time history graduate S. Cody Straley, who serves as the national register and architecture survey coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office. Straley said at Juene’s ceremony that writing the official nomination was his small way of paying back the institution that gave him so much.
“We know why this fountain is important, but today the national government will provide federal recognition for the fountain’s importance,” Straley said.
The Marshall fountain is more than 13 feet high and weighs 6,500 pounds. With its continuous flow of water and imposing structure, the fountain commands attention for all who visit. The fountain received extensive repairs in 2008 including a new granite surface for the foundation, a copper catch tray and a higher water spray like the original output when it was installed in 1972.
Almost every county in the United States has at least one place listed on the National Register. Marshall’s Old Main was placed on the registry in 1973. For a complete listing of places on the registry visit National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)