Sioux City Times

The City of Sioux City Parks & Recreation Department will be dedicating the Byron Brower Fountain on the City’s riverfront on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. The fountain is a historic animal watering fountain donated by the National Humane Alliance in 1911 and has been moved to various locations around the city over the years. Prior to the new Chris Larsen Park location, the fountain was at Cook Park.

The fountain has been restored and was installed as a part of the Riverfront Development Project. Prior to his passing, Irving Jensen Jr. worked with the Parks & Recreation Department to complete the relocation of the fountain and dedicate it to Mr. Byron J. Brower, his friend, business partner, and long-time supporter of the community. Mr. Jensen raised funds to support this project and worked with local contractors for in-kind support.

Mr. Byron J. Brower was born in Lake View, Iowa, in 1926. At the age of 18, he served for the US Army in Germany during World War II. Following the war, Mr. Brower made Sioux City his home with his wife Muriel, and their three daughters. With the help of the Jensen family, he started Brower Construction Company, which thrived in the community for forty years. Mr. Brower was known as an “idea man” and environmentalist (long before it was mainstream). He was the co-founder of numerous other companies, notably Jebro, where he partnered with Jensen Construction and L.G. Everist. Brower was also active in many community projects, which included the War Eagle Monument and Sioux City Art Center. Sadly, he passed away in 2016. Mr. Brower was a larger-than-life character whose memory lives on, a testament to a life filled with purpose and profound impact.

The event is open to the public. Parking will be available at the Floyd Boulevard entrance. The City of Sioux City postponed the Riverfront Grand Opening also scheduled for June 2. A new date will be announced when the park is ready.

Original source can be found here.