Oddfellows Memorial

In 1919 the Grand United Order of Oddfellows submitted to the City of Sydney a design for a memorial drinking fountain to commemorate its members who enlisted for active service in World War 1.

The estimated cost of the fountain was £1,000. At a meeting in May 1920, the City of Sydney considered and approved the suggested site near the steps at the top of Market Street in Hyde Park. This location, however, would have necessitated the removal of a gun, a bubble fountain and an electric light pole.

Combined with the proposed extensions to the city’s rail network, this influenced a subsequent decision in October 1920 to site the fountain on the corner of Elizabeth and Park streets on the south-western corner of Hyde Park north.

• An inscription facing the intersection of Park and Elizabeth streets reads:
  
  
  1921
  For our King and Country
  Presented to the City of Sydney by the Grand United Order of Oddfellows in honor and appreciation of the members who enlisted for active service in the Great War 1914-1919. And other conflicts


• On the rear, an inscription reads:
  
  
  Erected by the Grand United Order of Oddfellows and unveiled by Major-Gen. Sir G. De Lryrie K.C.M.G. C.B.V.D E.L., Kingsley Grand Master
  J. Bertram Cox, Deputy Grand Master
  George H. Sands, Grand Secretary
  11th May 1921.


• On the side, an inscription reads:
  
  
  In appreciation of the services rendered to God, King and Country by the 3010 members who served in the Great War 1914-1918 and the members who served in the Second World War 1939-1945, and other conflicts.


• On the opposing side, an inscription reads:
  
  
  In memory of 501 members of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows who made the supreme sacrifice 1914-1919
  “Their name liveth for ever more”
  And the members who made the supreme sacrifice 1939-1945 and other conflicts