Skidmore Fountain, Bronze fountain in Old Town Chinatown, Portland, United States
Skidmore Fountain is a three-tiered bronze structure with ornate sculptures including four horse heads and decorative details. It sits at the corner of First and Ash Streets in Old Town Chinatown and serves as a central gathering spot in the district.
Local druggist Stephen Skidmore left five thousand dollars in 1883 to fund the fountain's construction. Sculptor Olin Warner completed the work in 1888, creating a monument that still defines the neighborhood today.
The fountain's different tiers show how people, horses, and dogs once shared public spaces together in the city. Water flowed from the top down, allowing each group to drink without interfering with the others.
The fountain sits in a busy neighborhood with good sidewalks and is easy to reach on foot. The MAX Light Rail has a nearby stop if you prefer public transportation.
During the dedication ceremony, a local beer distributor suggested filling the fountain with beer, but officials rejected this unusual idea. Today this nearly forgotten episode shows the playful spirit of the city in the late 1800s.
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