Shemanski Fountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shemanski Fountain |
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Shemanski Fountain in 2013
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| Artist | Carl L. Linde |
| Year | 1926 |
| Type | Fountain |
| Medium | Sandstone |
| Dimensions | Height: 144 in (3.7 m); Diameter: 224 in (5.7 m) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
| 45°31′02″N 122°40′56″W / 45.517282°N 122.682144°W | |
| Owner | City of Portland |
| Rebecca at the Well | |
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| Rebecca at the Well | |
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Detail of Rebecca at the Well in 2008
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| Artist | Oliver L. Barrett |
| Year | 1928 |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Medium | Bronze |
| Subject | Rebecca |
| Dimensions | 42×18×14 in (107×46×36 cm) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
| Owner | City of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council |
The Shemanski Fountain, also known as Rebecca at the Well, is a beautiful outdoor fountain with a bronze sculpture. You can find it in the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, USA. This fountain is made of sandstone. It was designed in 1925 and finished in 1926.
The fountain is named after Joseph Shemanski. He was a businessman who moved to the US from Poland. He gave the fountain to the city as a gift. Carl L. Linde designed the fountain's shape. The statue on top was designed by Oliver L. Barrett. This statue, added in 1928, shows a person from the Bible named Rebecca. The Shemanski Fountain has two levels for drinking water. Each level has three basins. One of these levels is even designed for dogs!
The fountain has been fixed up a few times. Major repairs happened in 1987-1988 and again in 2004. Sadly, it has also been damaged by vandals sometimes. People often use the fountain as a meeting spot for gatherings. It's also featured in guides and walking tours of Portland's public art. The statue Rebecca at the Well is cared for by the Regional Arts & Culture Council. The fountain itself is looked after by the Portland Water Bureau.
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What Does the Shemanski Fountain Look Like?
The Shemanski Fountain was designed by Carl L. Linde in 1925. It is located behind the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. This is between Main Street and Salmon Street in Shemanski Park. The park is part of the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Who Gifted the Fountain to Portland?
The fountain was a gift to Portland from Joseph Shemanski (1869–1951). He was an immigrant from Poland who became a very successful businessman. He started a company called Eastern Outfitting Co. He wanted to show his thanks for all the city had given him.
How Is the Fountain Designed?
The fountain has a triangular shape. It is made from Oregon sandstone. Its design is inspired by Italian style. It has two drinking platforms, each with three basins. One platform is made especially for dogs. A designer who worked with Linde said that Shemanski "wanted something for the little animals." The fountain is about 144 inches (3.66 meters) tall. It has a diameter of about 224 inches (5.69 meters).
Around the top of the fountain, there's an inscription. It says: "To the People of / The City of Portland / By Joseph Shemanski". The bottom of the fountain has decorations of female busts. The Portland Water Bureau helps maintain the fountain.
What About the Rebecca Statue?
The fountain's first design had a large planter. But after it was built, Shemanski hired Oliver Laurence Barrett. He asked Barrett to create a bronze statue to replace the planter. Barrett was an arts professor at the University of Oregon. He designed the statue called Rebecca at the Well.
The statue shows Rebecca holding a jug on her right shoulder. It was added to the fountain in 1928. Portland Parks & Recreation says Rebecca was chosen for her "hospitality to strangers and kindness to animals." The statue is about 42 inches (107 cm) tall. It is cared for by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
History of the Shemanski Fountain
Joseph Shemanski asked the City Council for permission to give the fountain as a gift. The fountain started working on September 3, 1926.
When Was the Fountain Renovated?
In 1987, the fountain's pipes were fixed. A new base was also built. This was part of a bigger project to improve the South Park Blocks. That same year, three men pushed for the fountain to be restored. They were Thayne Logan (who worked on the original design), David L. Lipman, and Jeff Wolfstone (Shemanski's grandson and great-grandson).
During the restoration, the fountain was cleaned very well. Missing parts were replaced, and chipped corners were fixed. It was also covered with a special coating. This coating helps protect it from weather and graffiti. In July 1988, the fountain reopened after almost a year of work. A special ceremony was held on July 18. Logan, who was 88 years old, was the only person still alive who had helped design and build the fountain. The men helped pay for some of the repairs. They also bought a bronze plaque that tells the fountain's story.
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The fountain and statue were studied by the Smithsonian's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program in 1993. In 2004, the fountain was restored again. This work was done by Marie Laibinis-Craft and Pioneer Waterproofing. In 2008, a local newspaper reported that the fountain was "completely dry."
Has the Fountain Been Vandalized?
Even though the fountain and statue are meant to "commemorate kindness," they have been damaged several times.
- In 1988, three brass bowls were taken from the fountain.
- In 2007, the statue of Rebecca was pushed off its base. This caused nearly $10,000 in damage.
- In 2008, one of the fountain's three brass nozzles was stolen.
- In December 2011, someone drew on the statue with a marker or paint.
How Has the Fountain Been Used by the Community?
The fountain is often used as a meeting point for groups.
- In 2001, after the September 11 attacks, people created a peace shrine there. It had flowers, messages, and candles.
- In 2006, a vigil for World AIDS Day was held at the fountain.
- In 2010, 600 Catholic women gathered there for an event. They chose the Shemanski Fountain because of its depiction of Rebecca.
