Frog Baby Fountain - History

History

The Frog Baby statue, created by American sculptor Edith Barretto Stevens Parson, resides in a central location on the campus of Ball State University and is a well-known part of the university's rich traditions. The statue depicts a young girl who is brightly smiling at the sky while holding one frog in each of her hands. In the surroundings is a fountain of water with small frogs resting on the edges as they spout out water. The statue commemorates Alexander M. Bracken, who served on the Ball State Board of Trustees for 22 years and is also the son-in-law of Frank C.Ball.

Historically, the statue did not always reside in the pond outside Bracken Library. It used to rest in the University’s Museum of Art. Frog Baby was first donated by Frank C. Ball, one of the famous Ball Brothers, during the early years of the university. Many legends and traditions are hidden around the campus of Ball State, and it was once said that if one would rub the nose of the statue, it would serve as good luck. As the rumor spread, students year by year began rubbing Frog Baby's nose for good luck on their exams. Over time, the statue’s nose was worn away, and in 1993, the statue was sent over seas to be restored by Rundell Ernstberger Associates as the designer and Oberle Construction as the contractor.

Currently, the statue resides in a fountain close to the university’s library for safekeeping. Students no longer rub the statue’s nose for good luck, but they have started a new Frog Baby tradition. Now, students will dress her up based on the changing seasons. During the winter months in particular, she is frequently seen sporting scarves and knit hats to keep her warm. To take further precautions from damage, security cameras have been installed around the fountain. Although these security cameras are not meant to be discreet, mishaps occur every now and then. In 2009, the statue was vandalized with chalk. The drawer drew a pink bikini on the statue.

In 1999, four people attempted to steal Frog Baby. While the statue itself was not stolen, the thieves caused approximately $10,000 in damages to the exhibit and four of the surrounding frogs were taken from the fountain. Fortunately all four of the missing frogs were found and returned.