HU History: The Fountain on the Quad
On Huntington University’s home campus, there is a fountain in the middle of the Quad that connects Dowden Science Hall, Loew-Brenn Hall, Becker Hall, and the rest of campus. Before I learned its history, all I knew was that students soap the fountain frequently (which takes a lot of soap!) and that it looks beautiful with its architecture, surrounding shrubbery, and flowers. Officially named the Showen-Escher Memorial Fountain, the four plaques surrounding it tell its story:
R. Lee Showen and Carol Escher were two people deeply in love. They met through the music ministry at Highland Bethel Evangelical Mennonite Church and were preparing to begin their married life together. Lee was a graduate of Marion College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology in 1982, and Purdue University, earning a master’s degree in veterinary physiology and pharmacology. He was accepted by the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he hoped to train as a general surgeon with a future goal of working as a medical missionary in Africa.
Carol was equally ambitious, as she graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Ball State University with a master’s degree in speech pathology. She planned to work as a speech therapist in Indianapolis after her marriage to Lee, where he would finish medical school. Then, the soon-to-be married couple would enter the mission field together.
Three weeks before their wedding, Carol and Lee took a walk on HU’s campus near the fountain that used to stand where the current fountain is now. This original fountain was a popular gathering spot for HU students, alumni, and townspeople. However, on July 27, 1986, the fountain was a place of heartbreak. Due to an electrical malfunction, Lee and Carol were electrocuted in the fountain, and they passed away in each other’s arms.
The old fountain was removed, and a new memorial fountain was installed. In honor of Lee and Carol, a short passage was written by Ann Haskell, entitled “Together - Through the Veil of Time,” and the plaque by the fountain reads:
“We may not fully understand, just why it had to be:
Two young lives fulfilled so soon, released by God’s degree.
Yet how great and wise God’s grace, how merciful his plan;
That these two—so much in love, were taken hand in hand.
Now their earthly souls live on, in God’s eternity,
In the twinkling of an eye, God opened up death’s door;
And as they passed the veil of time, gained life forevermore.
Though mortal flesh in death decays, grieve not this tragedy;
For together they will live, with God eternally.”
If you are rethinking going near the fountain after hearing this story, have no fear! The Showen-Escher Memorial Fountain is incredibly safe. I also think that soaping the fountain in a lighthearted manner brings joy and peace to the site, and I truly believe Lee and Carol would be laughing along with us as they watched hand in hand.
