Gallery: The first, but also problematic, Cullen Fountains

Construction on the fountains. | Taken from The Cougar, 1972

Construction started in November 1971, but was delayed during the summer of 1972. In this photo, workers laid down the pipes for the fountain while students head to class. | Taken from The Cougar, 1972

“If you think these workmen are looking for a dime lost when the Quadrangle Fountain was laid, you’re wrong.” Liborio Amador and Sergie Arrila were seeking a leaky water pipe Monday, which developed under the fountain. | Taken from The Cougar, 1972

The Reflection Pool between Ezekiel Cullen and the Education Building was filled Thursday and the fountains were turned on. Several students took advantage of the cool water to relieve themselves of the heat. | Taken from The Cougar, 1972

Freshwater is pumped into the Quadrangle Fountain. |Taken from The Cougar, 1972

Dazzling in the Quadrangle reflection pool will be this unusual metal sculpture. The art piece was machine sanded to give its polished effect. | Taken by Chris Stone, The Cougar 1972

Construction at the fountains with Ezekiel Cullen in the background. Fifteen days after opening, the campus was forced to drain the fountains after finding a faulty concrete slab at the floor of the pool. | Taken from The Houstonian, 1972.

Relaxing while reading. | The Cougar, 1972

Co-eds shower at the fountains. | Taken from The Cougar, 1972

Unnamed students enjoying the fountains. | Taken from The Cougar, 1972

Although the Cullen Family Plaza Fountain reopened Wednesday after more than a year of being closed for repairs, the fountain has always had problems.

On Sept. 21, 1972, the fountain first opened for the student body after months of delays. Students were invited to hop in the fountains and relax as well as sit around and enjoy the view. It was initially called the “Quadrangle Fountains” after the old name for the Cullen Plaza, the “Academic Quads.”

However, just ten days after opening, the fountains were closed and drained because of “vandals who sat on the lighting connections, which resulted in an electrical hazard,” according to The Daily Cougar.

Five days later, while refilling the pool, faulty construction forced the campus to close the fountain again for two weeks while it was re-outfitted.

Forty-six years later, the fountain is a symbol of campus and a dazzling spot for students to relax. When it’s open, that is.

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Tags: Cullen Family Plaza, Cullen Family Plaza Fountain, Fountain, repairs