Quote:
Originally Posted by JScott
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Thanks
JS! Harris Newmark mentions the fountain's installation -- but not its demise -- in his
Sixty Years in Southern California 1853-1913:
"In the spring of 1882, my attention had been called to the public need of proper facilities for obtaining a drink of good water; and no one else having moved in the matter, the following communication was sent, during the heated summer, to the City authorities:
Los Angeles,
August 25, 1882.
To the Honorable,
The Council of Los Angeles City:
Gentlemen:—
The undersigned hereby tender to the city a drinking fountain, as per the accompanying cut, to be placed on that portion of Temple Block fronting the junction of Main and Spring streets, for the free use of the public, and subject to the approval of your honorable body.
Respectfully,
H. Newmark & Co.
About the same time Stephen H. Mott, Secretary of the Los Angeles City Water Company, promised enough drinking water, free of charge, to supply the fountain.
The unpretentious gift having been accepted, the fountain was installed. The design included an iron pedestal and column, surmounted by a female figure of attractive proportions; while below, the water issued from the mouth of a lion's head. Though but seven feet in height and not to be compared with more ambitious designs seen here later, the fountain may have given some incentive to city service and adornment."
From --
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42680...h.htm#Page_534