This is the Richmond Fountain outside of the Providence Athaeneum, one of America’s early public libraries, established in 1831. The Richmond Fountain was one of America’s first public drinking fountains. The fountain was built as a source of supply of fresh drinking water. Legend has it that by tasting its clear and sweet water, one is destined to return to (or never leave) Providence. Being a lifer, I took a drink!
The Athaeneum has a rich history and I will scratch the surface lightly. HP Lovecraft had a nearby home on Providence’s Benefit Street and often frequented the library. There is a bronze bust of Lovecraft inside. For Lovecraft followers, his grave at Swan Point Cemetery is an essential visit. The library is mentioned often in Lovecraft’s writings.
Edgar Allen Poe did not live in Providence, but he and Sarah Helen Whitman often met at the Athaeneum as a santuary from the eyes of Sarah’s family which frowned on her relationship with Poe. Sarah received a note while in the library from which she learned Poe had broken his promise of sobriety. This note led to the end of their marriage engagement on December 23, 1848. There are references to the Athaeneum in Poe’s work also.
The fountain was restored to working order within the past decade by the charitable foundation that oversees the Athaeneum.
This idea seeded in my head and once it is there I have to act! I took the clip and shot the image with my iPhone. The photograph was snapped using the remote on my watch with a 3 second delay. The marvels of modern electronics amaze me. As you see, I am no videographer!
