Hebe at the Fountain - Van Buren, AR - Fountains on Waymarking.com

This fountain was restored in 2003, but the story of how it originally came into being in the early 1900's is most fascinating. It is found on page 423 of the undated History of Crawford County, Arkansas by Clara B. Eno.

"In the spring of 1906 Miss Margaret Wood suggested that the club (The Village Improvement Club) work for a fountain to place on the courthouse lawn. The first money raised was from a recital given by Miss Anna Sadler at the Opera House, then Miss Wood assisted by Miss Anna Sadler, presented to a crowded house “Hiawatha,” then followed a series of entertainments by Miss Wood and her pupils until they had raised the amount of five hundred dollars, other entertainments and solicitations by Miss Wood, the amount was raised to a thousand dollars.

After Working for nearly three years the fountain became a reality, and the time set for the unveiling, the citizens were anxiously awaiting the event. The fountain Was made by the J. F. Mott Iron Works of New York, the statute of “Hebe” that graced the center of the fountain, is life size and a replica of Moretti’s masterpiece “Hebe at the Fountain.”

The Work of supervising the erection of the fountain was done by Mr. James Morrell of the Van Buren Foundry; the plumbing and all plumbing materials were contributed by the W. H. Hayman Plumbing Company; the Todd Brothers and R. H. Mitchell of the Fort Smith Light and Traction Company freely contributed their time and material for lighting the grounds. The making of the forms as well as supplying the lumber required in shaping the basin was contributed by L. H. Johnson, contractor. The concrete basin, pedestal, and walks surrounding the foun- tain, as well as work necessary for restoration of the old sun dial was done by Hipple and Son of Fort Smith, paid for mostly by the Village Improvement Club. As the water required for this fountain was given without cost by the Van Buren Water Company, Supt. J. E. Powers’ name is added to the list of those who made this work of art possible.

The unveiling of the fountain was July 23rd, 1908, when the following program was rendered: Music, by merchant’s band. Invocation, Rev. F. M. Tolleson, pastor Methodist Church, South. Unveiling of Fountain, Miss Margaret Wood. Music, merchant’s band. Address, Mr. W. H. H. Shibley. Music, merchant’s band. Dedication, Rev. J. W. Thompson, Trinity Episcopal. Benediction, Rev. W. B. Miller, Presbyterian."