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The Buy-a-Brick Campaign is a special fundraising initiative that supports the programs of the Emma L. Wilson King Foundation and helps restore the historic Municipal Fountain at Kenneth Hall-Jones Park. Now nearly sixty-five years old, the fountain is in need of significant repairs. The East St. Louis Park District has granted the Foundation trusteeship of the fountain, allowing it to oversee both its restoration and its ongoing basic maintenance once the project is completed. Upon restoration, the fountain will be renamed the Emma L. Wilson King Memorial Fountain at Jones Park Lagoon.
This project honors the legacy of the late Mrs. Emma L. Wilson King, a lifelong East St. Louis resident and devoted mother of twelve who deeply cared about her community and the natural environment. Education, service, and giving back were core values in her life. For this reason, the Foundation selected the historic fountain as its inaugural restoration project.
Individuals, families, churches, organizations, and businesses are invited to take part in this meaningful effort. By purchasing an engraved commemorative brick, you help restore one of East St. Louis’s treasured landmarks while leaving a lasting personal legacy. Bricks may be engraved in your name, in honor of a loved one, in memory of someone special, or to recognize a significant event, date, quote, organization, or corporation. These bricks will be permanently displayed on the north, south, and west sides of the fountain plaza, serving as a visible symbol of community pride and support for urban green space.
In 1961, East St. Louis was recognized as an All-American City. Since that time, the community has faced challenges including population decline and reductions in the business and industrial base that once supported public education and recreation. As public and philanthropic resources have become more limited, projects like this play a critical role in revitalizing and preserving community spaces. The Emma L. Wilson King Foundation is committed to serving as a model community partner for those who wish to invest in renewal and hope.
Brick Options
Each 4″ x 8″ brick may be engraved with:
- Up to two lines of text
- Each line may contain up to 15 characters, including spaces, punctuation, and symbols
- Minimum contribution: $100
- Optional Custom Logo for businesses or organizations: Additional $100
(Character limits may vary when a logo is added.)
Each 8″ x 8″ brick may be engraved with:
- Up to four lines of text
- Each line may contain up to 15 characters, including spaces, punctuation, and symbols
- Minimum contribution: $200
- Optional Custom Logo for businesses or organizations: Additional $100
(Character limits may vary when a logo is added.)
All bricks are crafted in a beautiful garnet clear red (rustic) color and become a permanent part of the fountain plaza. Your purchase represents a commitment to preserving community history, honoring loved ones, and investing in the future of East St. Louis.