Allen Memorial Fountain

Allen Memorial Fountain was named in memory of the daughter and son-in-law of J.C. Nichols, Eleanor and Earl Allen who tragically died in a house fire on February 28, 1961. Both Eleanor and Earl worked for the Nichols company at one time and contributed to the success of the Plaza. This sentimental fountain is a tribute to motherhood and was imported from Italy and gifted to the Plaza by the couples' families in July 1962.

In July 1962, the Allen Memorial Fountain was dedicated in memory of Eleanor Nichols Allen and Earl Wilson Allen who tragically died in a fire at their home in Mission Hills, Kansas on February 28, 1961. Eleanor (1909-1961) was the daughter of Country Club Plaza developer Jesse Clyde “J.C.” and his wife Jessie Eleanor Nichols. In the early 1920s Eleanor worked for the Nichols company and helped organize the Plaza Merchants Association, which oversaw the tenants of the Country Club Plaza and planned events to increase foot traffic. Earl (1907-1961) also worked for the Nichols Company as an architect. They wed in 1936 and were survived by their two daughters, Susanne Eleanor and Mary Louise. 

The bronze fountain was imported from Italy and sculpted by artist S. Gemignani of Florence, according to the plaque nearby. It features a woman bathing while seated on a marble pedestal. A young child stands on a small turtle below, looking up toward her as water from her cloth trickles onto his chest. A mother duck and her ducklings stand on the edge of the quatrefoil pool as water sprays from their mouths toward the center. The collective impression is a sweet sentiment and tribute to motherhood.

Allen Memorial Fountain, City of Fountains. Accessed January 20th 2022. https://cityoffountains.org/allen-memorial-fountain/.

Plaza Map, The Kansas City Public Library. Accessed January 20th 2022. https://kclibrary.org/art-objects/plaza-map.

Jesse Clyde Nichols (1880-1950) Memoir, The State Historical Society of Missouri. Accessed January 20th 2022. https://files.shsmo.org/manuscripts/kansas-city/nichols/JCN087.pdf.

Interview with LaDene Morton, May 3rd 2022.