Shemanski Fountain, Bronze sculpture fountain in South Park Blocks, Portland, US
Shemanski Fountain is a bronze sculpture in the South Park Blocks with a three-lobed sandstone base and a central statue in the middle. The structure includes multiple water basins at different heights, with separate drinking areas designed for people and dogs.
A Polish immigrant named Joseph Shemanski donated the fountain to Portland in 1926. Carl L. Linde designed the structure while Oliver L. Barrett added the statue a few years later.
The figure of Rebecca shown here embodies hospitality and generosity through her act of giving water to travelers and their animals. This biblical connection still shapes how people understand the fountain's message today.
The fountain sits at 1000 SW Park Avenue behind Schnitzer Auditorium in the South Park Blocks. Visitors can easily reach all the different levels and basins since the whole area is accessible on foot.
The structure went through major restoration in 1987 when missing pieces were replaced and the original plumbing system was completely rebuilt. This work preserved the fountain for visitors to enjoy today.
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