Support the Fountain Project with a Custom-Engraved Brick
You can support the Fountain Project by ordering a custom-engraved commemorative brick that will be part of a decorative patio that will accompany the fountain. These are large, original Market bricks that were salvaged and stored during the Market renovation/expansion project of 2016-2017. With a brick purchase, you will not only have a very visible, long-term presence in a prominent community place--you will also be supporting this wonderful historical and community project, and other Friends of the Rochester Public Market programs and initiatives.
ORDER ONLINE: complete the order form below.
ORDER BY MAIL: download and complete this fillable order form, print, and send in via U.S. Mail with check or money order.
Make Payment To: "Friends of the Rochester Public Market"
Mail To: City of Rochester Public Market, 280 North Union Street, Rochester NY 14609
Please Include - ATTN: Friends of the Rochester Public Market
A Historical Market Icon Returns
An iconic piece of City of Rochester Public Market history is back after ninety years--and you can have a visible commemorative presence along with it.
When the City of Rochester Public Market opened on its North Union Street site in 1905, it was one of only 125 prominent public places around the country to receive a limited edition, six-ton granite fountain. Designed primarily to serve horses--the primary transportation mode of that time--these fountains also made fresh water available to people and even dogs. These fountains were gifted by the National Humane Alliance as a practical expression of its animal welfare mission.
The Public Market's fountain was an important functional feature and also an icon of the early Market, and can be seen in many early Market photographs. But by 1930, cars and trucks had replaced horses as the primary transportation mode--the fountain was deemed an obsolete obstacle, and was unceremoniously hauled off the Market in the early thirties. Its whereabouts are still unknown today.
In late 2017, by remarkable strokes of luck, Market staff discovered one of the original 125 fountains sitting on private property not far from Rochester. The City was able to acquire this fountain, renovate and re-plumb it, and set it on the Market in a custom-designed courtyard between the Market Office house and indoor “B” Shed.
On Saturday, September 28, 2019, Mayor Warren and hundreds gathered to triumphantly unveil the restored fountain. Mounted police horses were on hand as well, to take ceremonial slurps from it!
This fountain is not only a tremendous historical acquisition--it will make the Market an even better public place and space. It will be a magnet for gathering--gathering of friends, family, colleagues, and a place where folks will cease to become 'strangers' to one another!
Special Thanks to Essential Partners & Supporters
Ellen Gugel and The Gugel Family, for generous contributions to support the project
Roz Goldman, for providing an expert appraisal of the fountain
Rochester Area Community Foundation, for a $7,500 challenge grant--such grants not only support the project directly but strongly encourage additional needed support
Market District Business Association, for a generous contribution to support the project
C.P. Ward and Steve Phillips, for expert and fast work on the moving and renovation of the fountain, and the design and build of the fountain courtyard.
Jack Walsh of Derby, Connecticut, a dedicated fan of all the National Humane Alliance fountains nationwide, whose website and social media platforms about the fountains, and assistance getting the City connected to an available fountain, was instrumental in this project.
Scott Wagner, for connecting the Market with the Gugel family!