Nathaniel Wheeler Memorial Fountain

The Nathaniel Wheeler Memorial Fountain is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut at the intersection of Fairfield and Park avenues. The fountain was built in 1912–1913 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1985.[1] The fountain consists of four elements: a central bronze figure of a mermaid holding aloft a lamp and rising out of a polished granite pool and three individually ornamented polished granite watering troughs at the angles of the triangular parcel of land raised above the street. The fountain was a mid-career work of American sculptor Gutzon Borglum.[2][3]

Nathaniel Wheeler Memorial Fountain
The fountain in 2013
LocationPark and Fairfield Avenues, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Coordinates41.1747°N 73.1987°W / 41.1747; -73.1987
Built1912--1913
ArchitectGutzon Borglum
NRHP reference No.85000706[1]
Added to NRHPApril 4, 1985

History
The fountain in a c. 1923 postcard

The fountain was erected in 1912–1913 as the gift of Nathaniel Wheeler's children to the city in memory of their father. Wheeler was a principal in Wheeler & Wilson, an early manufacturer of sewing machines. In addition to moving his factory to Bridgeport in 1856, Wheeler had been active in many city affairs, including plans to beautify the city.[2]

Restoration

The fountain underwent a $199,000 restoration in 2009–2010, in which vehicular damage was repaired and the flow of water was restored to the fountain among other refurbishments.[4][5]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. Retrieved 2010-08-15.
  2. Kate Ohno (1984). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory--Nomination Form: Nathaniel Wheeler Memorial Fountain" (pdf). National Park Service. Retrieved 2010-08-15. and 5 accompanying photographs.
  3. http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=14N43451K5148.30131&profile=ariall&source=~!siartinventories&view=subscriptionsummary&uri=full=3100001~!336451~!1&ri=2&aspect=Browse&menu=search&ipp=20&spp=20&staffonly=&term=Outdoor+Sculpture+--+Connecticut+--+Bridgeport&index=OBJEC&uindex=&aspect=Browse&menu=search&ri=2
  4. "Bridgeport's Wheeler Fountain Restored". Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. June 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-15.
  5. Keila Torres (2010-02-14). "Bridgeport fountain repairs progressing, despite delays". Greenwich Times. Retrieved 2010-08-15.
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