At the intersection of Military and Main Streets toward the eastern edge of Houlton is the small, wedge shaped Pierce Park, in which one will find this legendary work of art. Originally a watering trough for man and beast, this is today a fountain with a sculpture in the centre entitled
Boy and the Boot, also known as
Boy with the Leaking Boot, The Boy with the Leaky Boot, Unfortunate Boot and
Boy Immigrant. The
Boy and the Boot can be found in a great many cities, usually as the centerpiece of a fountain, such as this one. This horse trough come fountain was purchased by the city of Houlton in 1916 when Mrs. Clara P. Frisbie left the city $1000 to beautify the park.
The trough/fountain is a large green painted cast iron octagon with embossed artwork and eight drinking fountains atop, one at each apex. The boy stands in the centre on a rock, holding up one of his boots, from which water flows, as though it were leaking from several holes. The actual story of how the holes got in his boot seems to be lost to antiquity as there are now several quite different accounts concerning the boy's plight. The fountain was relocated after 1975.
In the park, near the fountain, is a sign which reads as follows:
"BOY AND THE BOOT"
PIERCE PARK - HOULTON, MAINE
PURCHASED 1916. GIFT MADE POSSIBLE
BY MRS. CLARA P. FRISBIE.
THERE ARE 29 KNOWN STATUES OF
THE BOY AND THE BOOT
IN THE WORLD TODAY.
SCULPTOR & NATIONAL ORIGIN
ARE UNKNOWN.
THE STATUE BASE IS ONE OF A KIND,
THAT PROVIDES FRESH WATER FOR
MAN, BEAST, AND BIRDS.
COURTESY OF MICHAEL CLARK