In 1921, Julius Joseph, of Hodell Furniture Company, bequeathed $5,000 to the city of Shelbyville, Indiana for the erection of a fountain on the Square. George Honig designed the work which was completed in 1923.

See how the Joseph Fountain looks in October, 2002.

George Honig working on the clay model of the top of the Joseph Fountain. The three children represent characteristics of Julius Joseph who was a great lover of children and took an interest in games and sports. The children are exemplary of clean, outdoor life and the naive spirit of play that is inherent in every child.
Picture From Willard Library, Honig Collection, Evansville, Indiana.

The bas-relief designs represent four seasons of the year and two mid-seasons. The top plaque is a likeness of Mr. Joseph. They appeared around the top base but are no longer on the fountain as of 2002.
Picture From Willard Library, Honig Collection, Evansville, Indiana

Documentation: (Thanks to the Shelbyville Historical Society)

Biography of a Town, Shelbyville, Indiana, 1822-1962

May Complete Fount By July, The Shelbyville Republican, April 15, 1922

Soon Complete Fountain Work, The Shelbyville Republican, May 9, 1923

Fountain Operated First Time Wednesday, The Shelbyville Democrat, May 10, 1923

1. Shelbyville, A Pictorial History, by Beverly Oliver

2. Shelbyville, A Pictorial History, by Beverly Oliver

3. Shelbyville, A Pictorial History, by Beverly Oliver