Tyler Davidson Fountain

Last updated
Tyler Davidson Fountain
TylerDavidsonFountainAtNight.jpg
Nicknames: "The Lady", "The Cincinnati Angel"
USA Ohio location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location5th St., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Coordinates 39°6′5.9″N84°30′44.8″W / 39.101639°N 84.512444°W / 39.101639; -84.512444
Area1.2 acres (0.49 ha)
Built1871
ArchitectVon Miller, Ferdinand; et al.
NRHP reference No. 79001854 [1]
Added to NRHPOctober 11, 1979

The Tyler Davidson Fountain or The Genius of Water is a statue and fountain located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is regarded as the city's symbol and one of the area's most-visited attractions. It was dedicated in 1871 and is the centerpiece of Fountain Square, a hardscape plaza at the corner of 5th and Vine Streets in the downtown area. It is surrounded by stores, hotels, restaurants and offices. Originally, and for more than 130 years, it was located in the center of 5th Street (Fountain Square's original configuration), immediately west of Walnut Street. In 2006, renovations were undertaken to Fountain Square and the Tyler Davidson Fountain was temporarily removed. When reinstalled it was relocated to a much wider space near the north end of the reconfigured square, closer to the Fifth Third Bank Building and away from street traffic. The fountain is turned off for the winter months and turned on again in time for the first home game of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds.

Contents

Description

A boy with a goose represents one of the pleasures of water. TylerDavidsonFountainCloseup1.jpg
A boy with a goose represents one of the pleasures of water.

The 43-foot-tall (13 m) fountain is cast in bronze and sits on a green granite base. [2] The inscription "To the People of Cincinnati" appears on its base. [3]

The artistic fountain's motif is water, in homage the river city's continuing debt to the Ohio River. [4] The central figure, the Genius of Water—a female in heroic size—pours down the symbolic longed-for rain from hundreds of jets pierced in her outstretched fingers. The figure is 9 feet high and weighs 2 tons. [5]

The pedestal itself is square with four representations in basso-relievo of four principal uses of water; namely, steam, water-power, navigation, and the fisheries. The first is typified by workers in iron using a trip hammer powered by an engine in the background; the second, by peasants carrying corn to a watermill; the third, by a steamboat leaving the shore, lined by numbers waving farewell; the fourth, by groups of fishermen and children. [6]

From the center of the pedestal rises a shaft spread at the top with interlaced vines and foliage and about these are four groups. On the north is a workman standing upon a burning roof and imploring the aid of water; at the south is a farmer standing in the midst of a field where are plainly seen the effects of a drought—he too is praying for rain. Upon these two groups the Genius of Water is dropping a gentle spray. At the west a young girl is offering the water to an old man with crutches. On the east side a mother partially nude is leading her naked and reluctant boy to the bath. [7]

Four outer figures with animals represent the pleasures of water. These are working drinking fountains from which passersby can drink. [8] On the drinking fountains are figures of nude boys—one riding a dolphin, another playing with ducks, a third struggling with a snake and the fourth on the back of a turtle. [9]

The construct is made of approximately 24 short tons (22 t) of cannon bronze purchased from the Danish government [5] [10] and 85 short tons (77 t) of granite.

History

Tyler Davidson Fountain in 1906 Tyler-davis-fountain-1906.jpg
Tyler Davidson Fountain in 1906

After the death of his brother-in-law and business partner Tyler Davidson, Cincinnati businessman Henry Probasco went to Munich, Germany in search of a suitable memorial to him. Many years before, artist August von Kreling had collaborated with Ferdinand von Miller at the Royal Bronze Foundry of Bavaria to design a fountain to rival the great fountains of Europe but which would glorify mankind rather than fanciful creatures and mythic deities. When Miller could find no patron to sponsor the fountain, the designs languished until Probasco came to him with an interest in a similar theme. [11] Probasco requested the addition of four figures with animals that would act as drinking fountains, which Miller's sons Ferdinand and Fritz designed. [12] The original miniature model is now located in the Cincinnati Art Museum. [13]

The Genius of Water close-up at its former location Cincinnati-fountain-genius-of-water.jpg
The Genius of Water close-up at its former location

The fountain was cast in separate sections at the foundry and shipped to Cincinnati for assembly. Probasco requested that the City of Cincinnati remove the dilapidated market along 5th Street between Vine and Walnut Streets for the fountain. In its place an esplanade bisecting 5th Street was built, the designer was architect William Tinsley. Tinsley had also designed the Henry Probasco House in the suburb of Clifton. The esplanade made the fountain easily visible to anyone traveling by. Miller traveled to Cincinnati for the dedication ceremony, which took place on October 6, 1871, it is estimated that 20,000 people were present. Miller and Von Kreling enjoyed a degree of celebrity in the city. [14]

The fountain originally faced east, toward Europe, where much of Cincinnati's population originated. When Fountain Square was redone in 1969, the fountain was realigned to face west. With the newest rendition of Fountain Square, the fountain faces to south since it is on the edge of the square.

The fountain was renovated for the first time in 1969 [15] for a celebration of its centennial. The Fountain Square plaza was also redesigned for better traffic flow, and the fountain was moved and turned to face west rather than east. The fountain was turned to face the east because Fifth Street was made into a one way street heading east and drivers would be able to see the front of the statue. [16] Additional repairs and another refurbishing project was undertaken in 1999. In 2005, as part of Fountain Square's revitalization, the city decided to move the entire fountain to the center of Fountain Square. The estimated cost was approximately $42 million. The city was responsible for $4 million. During the renovation the fountain was on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Fountain Square reopened on October 14, 2006, with an elaborate ceremony that included different stages for multiple bands, food, beer and fireworks. The fountain continues to be a backdrop for various cultural events in Cincinnati: movie nights, game shows, and the ice rink which opens in the winter.

The fountain is most familiar to non-Cincinnati residents for being featured in the opening credits (at its former location) of the television series WKRP in Cincinnati . [17] It can also be seen in the montage that accompanies the opening narration for the paranormal investigation series Ghost Adventures .

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cincinnati Music Hall</span> United States historic place

Music Hall, commonly known as Cincinnati Music Hall, is a classical music performance hall in Cincinnati, Ohio, completed in 1878. It serves as the home for the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, May Festival Chorus, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. In January 1975, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior for its distinctive Venetian Gothic architecture. The building was designed with a dual purpose – to house musical activities in its central auditorium and industrial exhibitions in its side wings. It is located at 1241 Elm Street, across from the historic Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine, minutes from the center of the downtown area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cityscape of Cincinnati</span>

Cincinnati, Ohio is home to numerous structures that are noteworthy due to their architectural characteristics or historic associations. The city also boasts Fountain Square and a riverfront that is being revitalized under The Banks project.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fountain Square, Cincinnati</span> City square in Ohio, United States

Fountain Square is a city square in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1871, it was renovated in 1971 and 2005 and currently features many shops, restaurants, hotels, and offices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyde Park, Cincinnati</span> Neighborhood of Cincinnati in Ohio, United States

Hyde Park is one of the 52 neighborhoods of Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally established as a retreat for the city's wealthy, the neighborhood is predominately residential, with a central business district known as Hyde Park Square. The population was 14,193 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington Park (Cincinnati, Ohio)</span> Park in Cincinnati

Washington Park is bounded by West 12th, Race and Elm Streets in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The park is owned and operated by the Cincinnati Park Board. The 6-acre (2.4 ha) park served as Presbyterian and Episcopal cemeteries before it was acquired by the city from 1858 to 1863.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Probasco Fountain</span> United States historic place

The Probasco Fountain is a large fountain in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Built of bronze on a base of granite, the fountain was constructed in 1887 according to a design by Samuel Hannaford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Probasco House</span> Historic house in Ohio, United States

Henry Probasco House is a registered historic, single-dwelling house in the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. It was built from 1859 to 1866 for Henry Probasco and his wife, Julia Amanda, on a 20-acre (8.1 ha) estate. Probasco is known for donating the Tyler Davidson Fountain to the city. The house was listed in the National Register on November 9, 1972.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burnet Woods</span> Public park in Cincinnati, Ohio

Burnet Woods, owned and operated by the Cincinnati Park Board, is an 89.3-acre (361,000 m2) city park in Cincinnati, Ohio. The neighborhoods of Clifton and University Heights bound the park on three sides, while the University of Cincinnati west campus forms the southern border. Burnet Woods is bounded by Martin Luther King Drive on the south, Bishop Street on the east, Jefferson and Ludlow Avenues on the north, and Clifton Avenue on the west. Two streets — Brookline Avenue and Burnet Woods Drive — also pass through the park. The original park area was purchased by the city in 1872, with additional purchases made in 1881 and since. In 1875 an artificial lake was added. The park contains a bandstand constructed in 1911, The Lone Star Pavilion, Diggs Fountain Plaza, a playground area and the Trailside Nature Center. The Trailside Nature Center was a museum originally constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vine Street, Cincinnati</span>

Vine Street functions as Cincinnati's central thoroughfare. It bisects the downtown neighborhood, as well as the adjacent Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The street also serves as the dividing line for the "east" and "west" sides of the city. All east-west addresses in the city start at zero at Vine Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferdinand von Miller</span> German artisan

Ferdinand von Miller was a German artisan who is noted for his furtherance of bronze founding.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corryville, Cincinnati</span> Neighborhood of Cincinnati in Ohio, United States

Corryville is one of the 52 neighborhoods of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is located immediately east of the University of Cincinnati, southeast of Clifton, south and west of Avondale, northwest of Walnut Hills, and north of Mount Auburn. The population was 4,373 at the 2020 census.

The Deer Creek Tunnel is an incomplete and abandoned double-track railroad tunnel through the Walnut Hills in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. Construction was begun in the 1850s by the broad gauge Dayton and Cincinnati Railroad, but ceased in 1855 due to lack of funds, and was never restarted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Piatt Park</span>

Piatt Park is the oldest park in Cincinnati, Ohio. The urban park stretches two blocks between Elm Street and Vine Street on Garfield Place/8th Street. The park is owned and maintained by the Cincinnati Park Board.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Downtown Cincinnati</span> Neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Downtown Cincinnati is one of the 52 neighborhoods of Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the central business district of the city, as well the economic and symbiotic center of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Originally the densely populated core of the city, the neighborhood was transformed into a commercial zone in the mid-20th century. The population was 5,835 at the 2020 census.

Simon Stevens Davis was an American politician from the U.S. state of Ohio. He served as the 19th Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The history of Over-the-Rhine is almost as deep as the history of Cincinnati. Over-the-Rhine's built environment has undergone many cultural and demographic changes. The toponym "Over-the-Rhine" is a reference to the Miami and Erie Canal as the Rhine of Ohio. An early reference to the canal as "the Rhine" appears in the 1853 book White, Red, Black, in which traveler Ferenc Pulszky wrote, "The Germans live all together across the Miami Canal, which is, therefore, here jocosely called the 'Rhine'." In 1875 writer Daniel J. Kenny referred to the area exclusively as "Over the Rhine". He noted, "Germans and Americans alike love to call the district 'Over the Rhine'."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">August von Kreling</span> German sculptor (1818–1876)

August von Kreling was a German sculptor and painter born in Osnabrück. He studied with Peter von Cornelius, and in 1853 became director of the Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg. He became a member of the Munich Academy in 1876, and died in Nuremberg in that same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferdinand Freiherr von Miller</span> German sculptor

Ferdinand Miller, from 1875 von Miller and from 1912 Freiherr von Miller was an ore caster, sculptor and director of the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich. He also held a seat in the Royal Bavarian House of Lords, the Reichsrat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fritz von Miller</span> German sculptor, goldsmith and bronze caster

Friedrich "Fritz" Johann Baptist von Miller, known as Fritz von Miller was a German bronze caster, goldsmith and sculptor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Probasco</span>

Henry Probasco was an American hardware magnate noted for the Tyler Davidson Fountain, Probasco Fountain and the Henry Probasco House. He had an interest in art and was selected as a "centennial commissioner" from Ohio.

References

  1. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ↑ Federal Writers' Project (1943). Cincinnati, a Guide to the Queen City and Its Neighbors. Best Books on. p. 179. ISBN   9781623760519 . Retrieved 2013-05-04.
  3. ↑ Smith, Steve; et al. (2007). "Are You Ready For Cincinnati?". Cincinnati USA City Guide. Cincinnati Magazine. p. 144. Retrieved 2013-05-06.
  4. ↑ Stradling, David (Oct 1, 2003). Cincinnati: From River City to Highway Metropolis. Arcadia Publishing. p. 49. ISBN   9780738524405 . Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  5. 1 2 Kenny, Daniel (1875). Illustrated Cincinnati. Stevens. p. 111. Retrieved 2013-05-19.
  6. ↑ Kenny, Daniel (1875). Illustrated Cincinnati. Stevens. pp. 111–112. Retrieved 2013-05-19.
  7. ↑ Charles Theodore Greve (1904). Centennial History of Cincinnati and Representative Citizens, Volume 1. Biographical Publishing Company. p. 873. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  8. ↑ "Backstage Pass: Tyler Davidson Fountain". Archived from the original on 2014-06-04.
  9. ↑ Charles Theodore Greve (1904). Centennial History of Cincinnati and Representative Citizens, Volume 1. Biographical Publishing Company. p. 874. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  10. ↑ Smith, Steve; et al. (2007). "Fountain FAQ". Cincinnati USA City Guide. Cincinnati Magazine. p. 13. Retrieved 2013-05-06.
  11. ↑ Clubbe, John, ‚‘‘Cincinnati Observed: Architecture and History‘‘, Ohio State University Press, Columbus, OH 1992 pp. 11-14
  12. ↑ Hyac. Holland (1906) (in German). "Ferdinand von Miller". In Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie. 52. Leipzig: Duncker & Humblot. pp. 401–409.
  13. ↑ "Model for the Tyler Davidson Fountain, Cincinnati". Cincinnati Art Museum. Archived from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  14. ↑ Cincinnati Observed: Architecture and History
  15. ↑ The Square 'Lights Up' Tomorrow October 17, 1969. Cincinnati Enquirer.
  16. ↑ You're Right. It's Reversed August 3, 1969. Cincinnati Enquirer.
  17. ↑ Steven J. Rolfes; Douglas R. Weise; Phil Lind (8 February 2016). Cincinnati Theaters. Arcadia Publishing. p. 9. ISBN   978-1-4671-1524-7.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.