Charlottesville Fountain

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

During the late 19^th century, the City of Charlottesville erected four drinking fountains in the downtown area. One of the fountains was located at the Midway School and was still in existence in 1917 (the Lewis & Clark monument now stands in this location).

Circa 1917 Midway School
Source: holsinger photographs UVA library

Another drinking fountain which stood outside the Courthouse on Jefferson Street was removed when the Monticello Hotel was built in 1926. It was restored and installed outside the Courthouse in 2004.

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

A marker placed in paving stones on the ground relates the history of the fountains. During the late 1800’s, the City of Charlottesville installed four watering fountains in the downtown area. The fountains were designed to provide water to the citizens, their horses and other domesticated animals. Water was provided by the City water system and fed through four fish-like features to the upper bowl. The overflow then filled the lower trough for smaller animals. A fountain similar to this one once stood in front of the courthouse on Jefferson Street and was removed at the time the Monticello hotel was built in 1926. Through combined efforts of the Charlottesville Volunteer Fire Company and the City of Charlottesville, this fountain, one of the original four, was restored to this location in November 2004.

 

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

The structure stands on an octagonal plinth. A fluted circular moulding creates a trough at ground level for the use of dogs. The fluted pedestal with attic base rising from the center of the trough hosts an arched panel containing a dedication, Erected 1892 and the legend, Patented / June 8, 1880.

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

A second panel contains the image of a woman in bas-relief. She is dressed in classical robes raising a cup/bowl in her right hand and a pitcher in her left hand.

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

The manufacturer’s name is visible, Henry F. Jenks / Pawtucket, R.I.

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

The capital which supports a large basin 56 inches in diameter, and capable of holding 100 gallons, is decorated with bas-relief fret. It is 4 feet 3 inches above ground level and was originally used by horses. A central jamb of 4 dolphins spouts water into the basin with the overflow falling to the trough below. The pipes within the fountain were constructed to resist freezing in cold temperatures.

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

The finial is highly decorated with floriated relief and a studded band terminating in a globe with the same detail as the basin.

Creative Commons License, Bill McChesney. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bsabarnowl/2759649151/in/album-72157606988713083/

Glossary:

• Attic base, a column base with two rings
• Bas-relief, sculpted material that has been raised from the background to create a slight projection from the surface
• Capital, the top of a column that supports the load bearing down on it
• Finial, a sculptured ornament fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable or similar structure
• Fluted Shaft, a long rounded groove decorating the shaft of a column
• Fret, running or repeated ornament
• Jamb, a projecting vertical post containing sculpture
• Pedestal, an architectural support for a column or statue
• Plinth, flat base usually projecting, upon which a pedestal, wall or column rests.

Diamond Jubilee Drinking Fountain

Location: Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

Thomas Brown, owner of Kirk Lane Mills in Yeadon, was a local benefactor who donated funds to build the Town Hall. In his will, he directed the planting of 300 trees along Killinghill Road (renamed Victoria Avenue), and the purchase of a drinking fountain to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. The directors of the Yeadon Water Works Company agreed to supply water free of charge during the term of their office.

The opening of Victoria Avenue, and the dedication of the Jubilee Drinking fountain took place on 8th January 1898 following a procession along the High Street. The fountain was erected at the intersection of Yeadon High Street and Victoria Avenue, now known as the Fountain Cross Roads.

In 1944 the fountain was irreparably damaged and removed. Its whereabouts are unknown. It may have been recycled for armaments during the war.

A stone marker was erected by Aireborough Civic Society in 1997 at the original site of the fountain. A plaque is inscribed with the following legend. Near This Site Stood / Yeadon Fountain / (Erected 1897) / Airborough Civic / Society / 1997

 

Used by kind permission of Leeds Library and Information Services, http://www.leodis.net

There is only one very blurred photograph of the fountain available which was font casting number 18, manufactured at Walter Macfarlane’s Saracen Foundry in Glasgow, Scotland. The 6 feet 2 inches casting specifications had a wide base in the form of a St. Andrew’s cross with canted corners, on which was set a circular shaft, ornamented with water lilies. Four lion jambs supported four highly decorated quatrefoil basins. Rising from the centre was a stanchion decorated with swans and cranes on alternating sides. A kylix-shaped vase terminal with four projecting tendrils offered drinking cups suspended by chains. A small trough for dogs was located at the base of the font.

Source: http://www.aireboroughcivicsociety.org.uk/the-yeadon-drinking-fountain

A dedication shield on the front of the fountain was salvaged and is now located above the booking office in the Town Hall. This Fountain Was Given And / The Trees Along This Road Were Planted / And Given To The Urban / District Council For The District Of / Yeadon / By / Mrs. E. Brown Of Mount Cross Bramley / To Form An Avenue Called Victoria Avenue / In Memory Of Her Late Husband / Thomas Brown Of Mount Cross Bramley / And Kirk Lane Mills / Yeadon / Also To Commemorate The Diamond Jubilee / Of Her Most Gracious Majesty / Queen Victoria / 1897

Source: http://www.aireboroughcivicsociety.org.uk/the-yeadon-drinking-fountain

Glossary

• Canted corner, an angled surface which cuts of a corner
• Jamb, a projecting vertical post containing sculpture
• Kylix, a Grecian style drinking cup
• Quatrefoil, a type of decorative framework consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially-overlapping circles of the same diameter
• Stanchion, upright bar or post providing support
• Terminal, statue or ornament that stands on a pedestal

 

Overtoun Drinking Well

Location: Overtoun, Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland

Within the moorland of Inverclyde is the Greenock Cut, a narrow aqueduct channelling water from the hills into the city. At the east end of the aqueduct at Overtoun, the cut passes under a bridge. On the west side is a cast iron drinking fountain and two plaques which commemorate the centenary of the cut created in 1827.

The fountain was cast by Glenfield and Kennedy of Kilmarnock. It consists of a single pedestal with a fluted demi-lune basin. The scroll backplate was embellished with floral bas-relief and a lion mascaron. Above the lion mask a circle held the inscription of the foundry, Glenfield Kennedy Limited Kilmarnock. A medallion with rope moulding contained a central push button which released water from the lion mask. A drinking cup was originally suspended by a chain.

Creative Commons License, William Craig. Source: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/115689

Used with permission, George Gallagher. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/re_teacher/12654032/

Creative Commons License, Thomas Nugent. Source: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/485227

Glossary:

• Bas-relief, sculpted material that has been raised from the background to create a slight projection from the surface
• Demi-lune, half moon or crescent shape
• Mask/Mascaron, a decorative element in the form of a sculpted face or head of a human being or an animal
• Medallion, a circular device bearing a portrait or relief moulding
• Pedestal, an architectural support for a column or statue

 

Hebe Fountain

Location: Roseburg, Oregon, USA

The temperance movement which began in the early 19th century advocated moderation in alcohol consumption. The belief that alcohol was responsible for many of society’s ills made this social movement popular around the world. In Roseburg, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and the Mental Culture Club now known as the Roseburg’s Women’s Club, donated a fountain to the city as an alternative to quenching thirsts in saloons.

The 12 foot high fountain surmounted by a statue of Hebe was erected on the corner of Cass Avenue and Main St. contrary to the Mayor’s concern that it would be a traffic hazard. It was dedicated on September 30, 1908 and provided water for horses and dogs in addition to humans. Four years later the Mayor was proven correct when a team of runaway horses pulling a wagon crashed into the fountain toppling the statue. The fountain was removed and the statue lost.

In 2002 during planning of the restoration of historic Roseburg Town Center the Park Commission recommended that a replica of the fountain be placed in Eagles Park. Fundraising by a local group assisted in the erection of the fountain in the park on Jackson Street. It was dedicated on 30 September 2007 and unveiled by Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich who took the first drink from the fountain.

The original structure cast by J. L. Mott Iron Works was seated on a square base with pilasters on each corner. Two small demi-lune basins were located at ground level for the use of dogs, and at the front was a large trough with a decorative shield to protect the float valve and ball cock from damage by horses. The bas-relief enrichment on the trough was also displayed on the three base panels. The pedestal contained four inset panels with lion mascarons, and on three sides were demi-lune basins for human use. The terminal was a statue of Hebe, classically dressed, holding a pitcher at her right side and a cup in her raised left hand.

A plaque with legend relating the history of the ‘Hebe’ fountain is at the rear of the current structure.

Source: Google books. Roseburg by Diane L. Goeres-Gardner

Source: Facebook/Preserveoregon

Circa 1912

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/76959217@N00/6000099446/

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/76959217@N00/6000104098/

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/76959217@N00/5999548809

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/76959217@N00/5999553921

Used with permission. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/76959217@N00/6000094852

Glossary:

• Bas-relief, sculpted material that has been raised from the background to create a slight projection from the surface
• Demi-lune, half moon or crescent shape
• Mascaron, a decorative element in the form of a sculpted face or head of a human being or an animal
• Pedestal, an architectural support for a column or statue
• Pilaster, a column form that is only ornamental and not supporting a structure
• Terminal, statue or ornament that stands on a pedestal