aka "Mr. Anonymous"
The William Volker Memorial Fountain is known in Kansas City as one of the most playful and whimsical fountains. The outdoor fountain was dedicated in 1958 as a memorial to the local philanthropist William Volker, who had died in 1947.
William Volker was born in Germany in 1859 to an affluent family. The family moved to Chicago in his early teen years. He began work in a picture framing company at 17 and when he was 20, took over management. In search of a less competitive market with an easily available supply of wood, Volker moved the business to Kansas City. The Volker Company expanded to include window shades and linoleum and quickly grew into a nationally recognized company.
A confirmed bachelor, Volker surprised many by marrying at 52. He stated at that time he was leaving his wife one million dollars and giving the rest away. True to his word, he spent the next 36 years giving away a sum estimated at ten million dollars. He donated heavily to Kansas City causes and charities. Many of his donations were anonymous, earning him the nickname “Mr. Anonymous.”
Following his death, a memorial was planned for this man who was known for his modesty in spite of his wealth. A number of things in the city were named for him, including Volker Park and Volker Boulevard. In keeping with the city’s tradition of fountains, a memorial fountain was designed to be positioned near the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Volker Park.
Carl Milles, a Swedish artist, designed the water fountain. The central figure is St. Martin of Tours, a patron saint of France. The story of St. Martin is that as a soldier, he encountered a begger on a freezing day and gave the man half of his cloak. The begger was later revealed to be Jesus. The sculpture is named “St. Martin and the Begger.” Martin is a saint associated with generosity, which is well suited to a memorial for a well-known philanthropist.
To add an element of humor to the water fountain, Milles used several angels around St. Martin. One of the angels is seen playing a flute from the wrong end and another has a wristwatch carved onto him. Four angel figures surround St. Martin, who is shown mounted on a horse. Three of the figures are below him, while the angel playing the flute is on a pedestal above him. The figures sit in a large reflecting pool. The outdoor fountain jets spray water from two pools adjacent to the main one.
The fountain was moved from its original location to allow for a renovation of Brush Creek and is now situated closer to Volker Boulevard.