Nomination for Davidson, Tyler, Fountain

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form No. 10-300 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM DATE ENTERED SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS AND/OR COMMON STREET & NUMBER CITY, TOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT - VICINITY OF PRESENT USE AGRICULTURE _WORK IN PROGRESS _PRIVATE RESIDENCE %OBJECT -IN PROCESS - YES: RESTRICTED * YES: UNRESTRICTED _BEING CONSIDERED MILITARY OWNER OF PROPERTY 5 LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION REGISTRY OF DEEDS,ETC.

REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS 812 Dayton Street 1978 039 45202 Cincinnati 061 CODE DATE Hamilton LOCATION COUNTY TITLE OWNERSHIP CATEGORY ACCESSIBLE CLASSIFICATION HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT STATE DISTRICT SCIENTIFIC TRANSPORTATION NAME Ohio Tyler Davidson Fountain STATUS Cincinnati Historic Inventory RELIGIOUS Hamilton County Courthouse Miami Purchase Association PUBLIC ACQUISITION PUBLIC _UNOCCUPIED COURTHOUSE. City of Cincinnati 800 Plum Street Main and Court Streets BUILDING(S) - INDUSTRIAL _GOVERNMENT -EDUCATIONAL FOR NPS USE ONLY -_MUSEUM -COMMERCIAL _PRIVATE -STRUCTURE -BOTH .SITE - PARK AUG 2 1 1979 FEDERAL STATE _COUNTY *LOCAL (Rev. 10-74) fountain RECEIVED OTHER: 7 DESCRIPTION X EXCELLENT -ORIGINAL SITE DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

porphyry, and when in operation Tyler Davidson Fountain represents the vital importance Probasco", "Tyler Davidson", "To the People of Cincinnati", and "MDCCCLXXI". bucket, pleads skyward with outstretched arm for a heavy rainfall that will extinguish water to an old man who is seated while clutching his staff; and a worried farmer, accom- Adorning each corner of this pedestal is a sea shell niche, in which small children triumphant boy, partially draped with his net, proudly holds his lobster aloft; expres- youngest son, Ferdinand Von Miller, Jr. 1969 CONDITION UNEXPOSED DETERIORATED UNALTERED CHECK ONE bronze fountain.It is distinguished by four sides of identical width that exhibit fluted basins which are supported by engaged columns ornamented with shell and coral.

Immediately below and supporting the semicircular basins is the bottom pedestal of the portray some of the playful and recreational pleasures provided by water:laughing bronze figures rest on porphyry drinking basins and rectangular pedestals.The four small jets of water from her hands on her outstretched arms.As she beckons to the of forty three feet.The entire fountain rests on a circular base of polished dark grasping the neck of another in his left; tense youth thwarting a snake that has twisted The massive base of the bronze fountain is quatrefoil in form and is composed of eight The central and crowing feature of the fountain is the Genius of Water,a nine foot Supporting the Genius of Water and the medallions is a shaft, spreading at the top with citizens of Cincinnati, four medallions on the figure's pedestal proclaim:"Henry 1871,is a bronze, multiple tiered object that rises majestically to an overall height of the shaft and depict the historic needs and benefits of water: semi-nude mother leads affectionately dubbed "Turtle Joe.These four bronze figures were cast by Von Miller's FAIR The edges of these four catch basins are laced with wreaths of water lilies from which base relief representations of the commercial and industrial uses of water:Steam- figures are: youth sitting on dolphin;kneeling youth holding drink in one arm and sive child holds a conch shell to her ear; and boy, wrapped in furs, puts on his skates.

of water and its everyday uses. gation-family waves adieu as friends depart on an Ohio River stramboat; fisheries- workmen hold bars of iron under a trip hammer propelled by a steam engine as a steam the water drips to the pool below. -GOOD _RUINS *MOVED DATE. earth. When the fountain is circulating a gentle spray of water rewards the farmer and The Tyler Davidson Fountain, located in the heart of the Central Business District since itself around his leg; and youth riding a tortoise.In later years this tortoise was blocks of polished Bavarian porphyry.The circular basin that surrounds the main foun- panied by his plow and panting dog, yearns heavenward for rain to replenish the parched high free standing female figure.Clad in flowing robes, the Genius sprays hundreds of train passes in the background; water power -farmers take corn to a grist mill; navi- Form No.

10-300a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM TYLER DAVIDSON FOUNTAIN, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio ITEM NUMBER 7 CONTINUATION SHEET When the fountain was unveiled in 1871, it occupied the center of a grand by William Tinsley, whos& major execution had been the Henry Probasco residence Yet by 1969 the downtown's center had long since shifted westward to Fifth and called for a new Fountain Square Plaza, thirty-two story office tower, and realign- west and turned 180° from its original position, to face west instead of east. The construction of the new plaza required the removal of the original esplanade. day the fountain rests near the middle of Fountain Square, which is a spacious, At the time the fountain was moved to its new location, it became evident that the and restored.

The work, begun in the summer of 1971, was performed by Karkadoulias Brothers Foundry, of Athens, Greece. Rededicated on October 16, 1971, Tyler David- PAGE in Clifton. a native Cincinnatian, Frederick A.Hauck, the fountain was professionally repaired FOR NPS USE ONLY open air elevated plaza constructed of geometric pavers. the water pressure and also the cooling chamber, which when filled with ice, sup- was protected by sixteen granite stub posts and the perimeter of the square was DATE ENTERED in 1869 the intersection of Fifth and Main Streets was considered the center of son Fountain continues to be revered as the crown jewel of the Queen City.

Through the years the flow of water through the fountain and the ornamentation of Vine Streets, thus the Genius had her back to the city's center.The city's plans town, and it was only fitting that the Genius of Water face the heart of the city. AUG 2 1 1979 RECEIVED Beneath the fountain were the valves for regulating the esplanade underwent minor alterations.When the fountain's site was selected planted with sycamore trees. ment of Fifth Street.Thus the fountain was moved a short distance to the north- AREAS OF

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW PREHISTORIC -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE X1800-1899 PHILOSOPHY POLITICS/GOVERNMENT _OTHER (SPECIFY) BUILDER/ARCHITECT Ferdinand Von Miller/August Kreling STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Statement of significance

ty, originality of theme, history, and location in the heart of a major American city. speakers, holiday events, fund drives, ceremonies, and spontaneous celebrations. same year Probasco married Julia Carrington, Davidson's half sister. Apparently Pro- Tinsley, the Probasco House has been entered into the National Register of Historic partner, friend, and brother-in-law. There, Ferdinand Von Miller, Director of the Foundry, showed him drawings made in the early 1840's by August von Kreling, who currently served as director of the Nuremburg From Palermo, in February, 1867, Probasco sent the first official letter concerning Che tountain to the Mayor of Cincinnati, Charles Wilstach.

On March 15 City Council 1700-1799 COMMERCE ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE COMMUNICATIONS RELIGION ARCHITECTURE 1600-1699 AGRICULTURE THEATER EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT PERIOD EDUCATION SCIENCE INDUSTRY TRANSPORTATION LITERATURE MILITARY ENGINEERING MUSIC surpass the overall artistic and historic significance associated with the Tyler David- boast nor citizen worthy of sculpting. Mr.Probasco came to Cincinnati from Pennsylvania in 1835,and entered Tyler Davidson's _CONSERVATION the city's responsibility of protecting and maintaining the fountain.Probasco com- SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN was the result of the philanthropic efforts of a wealthy Cincinnatian, Henry Probasco.

basco was a skilled businessman, for the Tyler Davidson Hardware Company became the grace the heart of downtown Cincinnati.It was after Tyler Davidson's death in Decem- While touring Europe in 1866,Probasco visited the Royal Bavarian Foundry in Munich. Places and designated a city Listed Property.As Oakwood neared completion, Probasco a permanent object of beauty and utility, it would commemorate the life Qf his business hardware business as a clerk.Davidson promoted Probasco to a partner in 1840,the and Tyler Davidson discussed plans for the erection of a public fountain, which would ber,1865,that Probasco pursued his plans in earnest.Not only would the fountain be out of a bronze cannon purchased from the Danish government.

missioned Von Miller to proceed with the work on May 15,1867,and the fountain was cast During the late 1850's a prosperous Henry Probasco was engaged in the construction of The fountain and the square that surrounds it have long been the focal point for public -1400-1499 _ECONOMICS XSCULPTURE -1500-1599 The idea and implementation of donatinga public fountain to the people of Cincinnati building in the city in 185l. - LAW _1900- city's largest in 1846. Continuing to expand, the firm erected the first free stone SPECIFIC DATES 1867-1871 of representing classical figures the drawings illustrated the uses and benefits of water. Henry Probasco also observed that Cincinnati had no great historical event to INVENTION When one considers the historic landmarks that adorn the City of Cincinnati, few if any von XART

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Foreman, Mrs. Elmer S. Cincinnati Historical Society 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY approximately 1.166 UTM REFERENCES VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES 11 FORM PREPARED BY NAME / TITLE Miami Purchase Association for Historic Preservation March 16, 1979 STREET & NUMBER 721-4506 (513) CITY OR TOWN Ohio 45214 2 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION THE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS: NATIONAL - hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE FOR NPS USE ONLY 1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPERTY ISANCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER KEEPER OFTHE NATIONAL REGISTER GPO 892-453 ORGANIZATION Cincinnati DATE CODE COUNTY NORTHING TELEPHONE STATE LOCAL ZONE EASTING ATTEST: Annual Reports of the City Departments of the City of Cincinnati 1868-1872. 812 Dayton Street direction 290'; thence in a southerly direction 175'until reaching the right-of-way of 14,313.017,6.01 Commencing at the northeast corner of the intersection of Fifth and Vine Streets proceed As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665).I ZONE north along the east side of Vine Street for approximately 175';thence in an easterly Fifth Street; thence in a westerly direction 290' until reaching the point of beginning. Form No. 10-300a (Hev.

10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AUG 2 1 1979 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 1 1 1979 INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM Tyler Davidson Fountain, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio CONTINUATION SHEET The initial plans specified the Fountain be placed on Fifth Street between Main Street Market, a local landmark since 1827. After the market's lease expired in Archbishop Purcell, and the Governor of Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes. More than twenty berant response to the first spray of water. and the originator of the theme, August von Kreling. Above all, the fountain hinged environment, it was the first public fountain of its kind in the United States and of abuse from overzealous citizens, Tyler Davidson Fountain continues to be one of stated in 1869: pealing to our German citizens from (the) fatherland, stimulate and adorn every part of our city?

If, in fact, the German character and influence in the City of Cincinnati has waned, her citizen's overall desire to beautify it has not. the first to dispense ice cooled water for drinking.Although the name Probasco and Walnut Streets:Subsequent examination noted that the area between Vine Place was changed to Fountain Square and the Genius of Water had to endure her share RECEIVED them with the desire and hope that we shall continue to beautify tunately the selection of this new site necessitated the removal of the Fifth Shall not the work of German artists and German artisans, ap- DATE ENTERED intendent of the City's Street Cleaning Department and ninety men.

Henry Probasco's plan had finally become a reality.It had required the partici- the regionss most attractive and most famous landmarks.It was Henry Probasco who the market.Late Friday evening, February 4,the market was razed by the Super- 6,187l.Among those dignitaries in attendance were Mssrs.Probasco,and Von Miller, queath to the Village of Clifton, in 1887,a smaller but no less functional fountain.

The official unveiling of the Tyler Davidson Fountain was celebrated on October FOR NPS USE ONLY ITEM NUMBER 8 PAGE on the dedication and tremendous monetary support of Henry Probasco, who would be- Not only was the fountain among the most significant additions to the city's cultural thousand people witnessed the dedication, an event highlighted by the crowd's exu- Ohio Supreme Court upheld the city in 1870,Mayor Torrence ordered the removal of pation and support of the City of Cincinnati, the German founder Ferdinand Von Miller, and Walnut Streets was eleven feetwider and had fewer railroad tracks.Unfor- May,1869,the butchers began to organize against the city's plans.When the Form No.

10-300a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AUG 2 1 1979 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM TYLER DAVIDSON FOUNTAIN, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio tion of this new site necessitated the removal of the Fifth Street Market, a local in 1870, Mayor Torrence ordered the removal of the market. Late Friday evening, Feb- ruary 4, the market was razed by the Superintendent of the City's Street Cleaning tence. In addition to its structural qualities, the fountain was the first one in the The detailed handling of the anatomy and portrait quality of the figures'heads 11- league titles. RECEIVED Department and ninety men.

tain has been the activity center for Cincinnati, serving as a focal point for Armistice CONTINUATION SHEET Streets was eleven feet wider and had fewer railroad tracks.Unfortunately the selec- when the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and Cincinnati Reds won their respective flow is turned off the fountain maintains its beauty and vitality.The pyramidal com- Among those dignitaries in attendance were Mssrs.Probasco and Von Miller, Archbishop position is sufficiently monumental to enable the fountain to hold its own against the public monument, Tyler Davidson Fountain.At that time there did not exist in the Tyler Davidson Fountain must be considered among the most significant and most visible people witnessed the dedication, an event highlighted by the crowd's exuberant response "beautiful in its forms, and also practical in its purposes." United States to dispense ice cooled water for drinking.

of the few American cities to possess a bronze fountain of such proportion as its The initial plan specified the Fountain be placed on Fifth Street between Main and Not until l870 was a large open square specifically created in Cincinnati for the new movement of the water jets give the fountain a living quality, and even when the water to enhance the effect of the whole.The intent of Henry Probasco was to have a fountain DATE ENTERED FOR NPS USE ONLY The official unveiling of the Tyler Davidson Fountain was celebrated on October 6,1871. landmark since 1827.After the market's 1ease expired in May,1869,the butchers be- to the first spray of water. (Hev. 10-74) Purcell, and the Governor of Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes. More than twenty thousand lustrate the high degree of realism. The modeling of the individual figures and the Day, VE, and VJ Day celebrations.

Spontaneous celebrations formed around the fountain Walnut Streets. Subsequent examination noted that the area between Vine and Walnut in the estimation of an authority of public monuments, it is one of the finest in exis- United Statesa single public fountain of any great importance.Since then the foun- OCT11979 Form No. 10-300a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AUG 2 1 1979 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM TYLER DAVIDSON FOUNTAIN, Cincinnati, Hamilton County , Ohio existence required the participation and support of the City of Cincinnati, the metal- of Clifton, in 1887, a smaller but equally functional water fountain. It was Probasco to our German citizens from (the) fatherland, stimulate them with William F.

Poole, The Tyler Davidson Fountain, (Cincinnati: 1872) 2Marianne Doezema and June Hargrove, The Public Monument and Its Audience, Cleveland, Ohio, p. 43 landmarks. CONTINUATION SHEET RECEIVED Davidson Fountain, is certainly one of the nation's most beautiful and most significant cant social and humanitarian endeavors of the nineteenth century.The fountain's August von Kreling.Certainly the success of the fountain hinged on the dedication DATE ENTERED Shall not the work of German artists and German artisans, appealing lurgical ability of Ferdinand Von Miller, and the creative hand of the German artist, FOR NPS USE ONLY who stated in 1869: OCT 11 1979 and tremendous monetary support of Henry Probasco, who would bequeath to the Village they refresh the citizens as they enchant them.

The sculptural richness and circulation of water fulfill Probasco's heartfelt wish-that the desire and hope that we shall continue to beautify and adorn every part of our city? Form No. 10-300a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AUG 2 1 1979 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM Tyler Davidson Fountain, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio CONTINUATION SHEET Spiess, Philip D. The Industrial Archaeology of Cincinnati, Ohio. 1978. Karkadoulias, Elestherios. Personal Interview. ment, and currently planning the restoration of 6 monuments in Gettys- burg, Pennsylvania. Shine, Carolyn R. Curator, Cincinnati Art Museum. Personal Interview. RECEIVED including the McKinley Statue in Canton, the Battle of Nashville Monu- DATE ENTERED FOR NPS USE ONLY ITEM NUMBER 9 Poole, William F. The Tyler Davidson Fountain, Given by Mr.

Henry, Probasco to the City of Cincinnati. Cincinnati: Robert Clark & Co., 18/2. Doezema, Marianna, Hargrove, June. The Public Monument and Its Audience. PAGE Supervised and conducted restoration of fountain in 197l.His foundry hasrestored approximately 50 public monuments across the united States, 0CT111979 Tyler Davidson Fountain, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio April, 1932 OCT 1 1 1979 AUG 2 1 1979 Fountain Square Looking east Tyler Davidson Fountain, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio AUG 2 1 1979 CITY WORKERS moved in on Friday, February 4, 1870, to demolish the Fifth Street Market, because something had to come down to make room for Fountain Square. Since then, the mayor of Cin- cinnati has made a purchase on the square once a year to satisfy a tradition THE ROYAL FOUNDRY of Bavaria in in the spring of 1871.

Henry Probasco had found the fountain at the foundry as a gift to his city and a monument to his brother-in-law and partner, Tyler Davidson. disassembled and shipped to Cincinnati Munich tested the fountain before it was that the area be used as a market place. on a European trip in his quest "for a permanent object of beauty and utility" 1711979 Inventory - Send-back - Re-submit . TECHNICA OTHER KEEPER Entered ARCHEOLOGIST CONTROL Maps HISTORIAN HAER Photos Review National Register Write-up 11.6.79 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN United States Department of the Interior -Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Federal Register Entry BRANCH CHIEF REVIEW UNIT CHIEF 11 1979 21:79 Working Numberg.21. 79. / 999 Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio March 24, 1979 Tyler Davidson Fountain Miami Purchase Association Steve Gordon T.D.F.

& Fountain Square, looking east from 5th Street west of Vine OCT 11.1979 March 24, 1979 Photo #3 AUG 2 1 1979 Miami Purchase Association Tyler Davidson Fountain Steve Gordon Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio T.D.F., looking east OCT.

1 1 1979 IRD Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio March 24, 1979 Photo #4 AUG 2 1 1979 Steve Gordon Miami Purchase Association Tyler Davidson Fountain T.D.F., looking east Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio March 24, 1979 AUG 2 1 1979 east Tyler Davidson Fountain Steve Gordon Miami Purchase Association T.D.F., upper portion, looking north- Photo #5 OCT 1 | 1979 March 24, 1979 AUG 2 1 1979 Steve Gordon Tyler Davidson Fountain Miami Purchase Association Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio T.D.F., detail of panel on base of steamboat, looking west Photo #6 March 24, 1979 T.D.F., Boy on Dolphin, looking Miami Purchase Association Steve Gordon southwast Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Tyler Davidson Fountain Photo #7 AUG 2 1 1879 : Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio March, 1979 1o0king southeast AUG 2 1 1979 Miami Purchase Association Tyler Davidson Fountain TDF., niche, girl with beads (beads installed when water turned on), Steve Gordon Photo #8 Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio March 24, 1979 T.D.F., Detail of inscription on base AUG 2 1 1979 Steve Gordon Tyler Davidson Fountain Miami Purchase Association of Turtle Joe Photo #9 COVINGTON QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OCT.

1 1 1979 N4330760 UNITED STATES STATE OF KENTUCKY RECEIVED COVINGTON. KY.O STATE OHTO Danalds, Samuel, House Davidson, Tyler, Fountain DI. Thomas H. Smith Columbus, Ohio 43211 Byers/bjr Brookpark 10/16/79 Director Location Cincinnati Name Cuyahoga County Hamilton County Honorable Mary Rose Oakar Date Entered The Ohio Historical Society Honorable Howard M. Metzenbaum Also Notified State Historic Preservation Officer Honorable John H. Glenn For further information, please call the National Register at (202)343-6401. Interstate 7l at l7th Avenue ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER Honorable Willis D. Gradison, Jr.