From The Indianapolis Star, Monday, October 30, 1916: Yesterday afternoon as the last sun rays descended in the western sky, water began to play in the wonderful kaleidoscopic colors of the electric lights of the fountains in the sunken gardens at Garfield Park. Over seven thousand South Siders marveled at the beauty of the geyser-like water spouts amid the beautiful landscaped esplanade designed by Vonnegut & Bohn and shaped by the patient hands of masons and gardeners. The Indianapolis Police Band struck up the “Star Spangled Banner,” and a cheer went up as speakers took to the podium to dedicate the gardens and the first electric fountains in a public park in the country. “I come to rejoice with you at the completion of the most beautiful park in the city,” said Charles E. Coffin, president of the park board.