The Temperance Movement - an attempt to make the consumption of alcohol illegal in the United States started in 1826, and the movement culminated with the passage of the 18th Amendment (establishing Prohibition) on January 17, 1920. In 1878, Dr. Henry Cogswell, a dentist originally from Connecticut but later San Francisco, initiated a project to place public drinking fountains in communities perceived to have an over abundance of taverns. His goal was to place at least 50 of these "temperance fountains" throughout the nation, targeting any community that had 100 or more drinking establishments.
In 1880, when this fountain was erected, the city of Pawtucket had 140 taverns listed. Clearly, it was a candidate for a temperance fountain, and Dr. Cogswell had this one erected in the center of the city at the intersections of what is now Main Street and Roosevelt Street. As one might imagine in a city with 140 taverns, the fountain was not popular. Fearing vandalism, the city council quickly moved the fountain to nearby Oak Grove Cemetery. In 1904, it was again moved, this time to the entrance to Slater Park. The 1938 Hurricane tore the heron from the top of the fountain, and the base sustained additional damage. As part of the restoration of the Blackstone River and the formation of the Blackstone River National Heritage Corridor, the fountain was restored, a new heron was perched on top, and the entire structure was moved back to its original location. While now prominently displayed, few people that admire the statue and fountain are aware of the historical significance or the role the temperance movement played in shaping almost one hundred years of life in America.
The plaque on the base reads "God's free gift to man and beast. Presented by H.D. Cogswell D.D.S of San Francisco to the citizens of Pawtucket and Central Falls and their descendents forever."
Post processing started with a brilliant warm filter in Topaz Adjust. I adjusted adaptive exposure, contrast, and protect highlights. A levels adjustment was added in PSE.
Oh, I love, love, love this story! And I love the quote on the plaque. My favorite part of the the beautiful photo is the heron on top! The flag behind it all perfectly fits the end of your description, " . . . life in America."
@cejaanderson Anyone watching me setup for this photo would have thought I needed a personal temperance movement. I wanted the flag in the background, and I also wanted both that amazing tree (which seems most reluctant to shed its leaves) and the distant Slater Mill to frame the left. The challenge was the extremely bright sun. Finding a place to stand where those elements were in the photo but my very long, dark shadow was not in the photo proved to be challenging! Looking at all the street lamps surrounding the statue means I really need to come back here some night for a photo.
November 24th, 2013
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