Fountains for Lebanon

Lebanon was once known as “The City of Fountains” – and the Lebanon Fountain Committee is on a mission to help it live up to that name. Established in 1997 to spearhead the restoration of the Marion Carter fountain downtown, the five-member committee continues to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and strive toward the restoration and building of the fountains the city was once known for.

According to Lebanon resident and committee volunteer Priscilla Gosselin, the priority this year is to build a fountain on the downtown Mall, providing another enjoyable space where residents and visitors can gather. As the city recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Lebanon fire that destroyed much of downtown, Gosselin said it seems like a good time to create a new downtown attraction that will add to the feeling of community and fellowship.

The project has already received initial funding of $50,000 from the Timken Foundation, while Mascoma Savings Bank and the Lebanon Rotary Club are also supporters. Both also helped fund the committee’s three fountain projects completed since its establishment in 1997. The first was the refurbishment of the Marion Carter fountain and its dedication for its 100th anniversary on August 7, 1998. The second was the refurbishment of the Colburn Park fountain, with a pedestal and bowl donated by the Babineau family on Green Street. The third effort was the creation of the High Street water feature and park, commemorating the Lebanon Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary and recognizing the men and women who lived and worked on High Street in the early days of the mills on the Mascoma River.

“These fountains are a gift to the community through their continued support,” Gosselin said of the Lebanon Fountain Committee’s donors.

Of course the committee is diligently seeking further support to make the downtown Mall fountain a lasting feature of the community. Residents can support the efforts by volunteering for the committee or specific efforts, Gosselin said, giving “truly a gift of ideas” to move projects along. Donations of any amount are always appreciated, as well, and may be sent to the Lebanon Rotary Club, the fiscal sponsor for the project. Learn more about the Lebanon Fountain Committee at lebnh.net.