1898-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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57 A clause in the will of the late Francis B. Hayes reads as follows : "I give to the town of Lexington, in said com- monwealth, $10,000 for the establishment of a fountain within the limits of said town, to be called 'The Hayes Fountain.'" This generous bequest was received by the town on Feb. 9, 1898. At the annual March meeting a committee of five persons, three men and two women, was appointed to fix upon a location for the fountain, devise a plan for the same, and report to the town at a subsequent meeting. First, location of the fountain. Fortunately the terms of the bequest leave the town free to place it wherever it seems best, and make it of such a character as appears most desirable. Your committee was unanimous in the opinion from the first that it should not be placed on the Common, where it cou d not he utilized except for display, and where with our limited supply of water it could seldom be played, or when played be an object of beauty. Hence they recommend that it should be located at the southern extremity of the circle below the common, about thirty feet above the present watering trough where Bedford street diverges from Massa- chusetts avenue. This location places it back about 15 feet feet upon the green, and above the elm standing at the ex- treme point, and necessitating its removal, but disturbing no other tree. It also requires the removal of the telegraph post, the guide board and the watering trough. Second, the character of the fountain. Your committee recommend that it be primarily a drinking fountain with ample provision for watering horses and cattle, and for the use of dogs, cats and birds, as well as human beings ; that ample space be given to make it easily accessible to all crea- tures ; that it be so constructed that water shall trickle down over stones and into a large drinking trough from a. 58 little height above it and then fall into lower troughs, and that there be a contrivance by which when desired there may be a spouting of the water to a considerable height. This plan involves a structure of large rough field stone, nicely fitted together, and laid in cement, of a height of ten or twelve feet, to be crowned with a bronze statue of Capt. John Parker, the whole structure being about twenty feet in height, and facing down Massachusetts avenue. Circular buttresses are thrown out from either side and partially en- closing stone seats in the rear, where a proper inscription to Mr. Hayes should be placed. A wide pathway from the rear of the fountain up to the meeting house monument on the common. Third, the designer and builder. After careful inquiry concerning various artists, your committee selected Mr. H. H. Kitson, of Boston, as a sculptor of taste and skill, who has an enviable reputation in the execution of similar public works, and submitted their ideas to him, asking that he should prepare a model embodying them, and such sugges- tions of his own as would render it impressive and beautiful. Mr. Kitson came out, surveyed the ground where it was to be located, looked into the history of the town, and studied its scenery and character. After a few weeks he submitted a clay model of a drinking fountain surmounted by a statue of such a man as he thought Capt. John Parker might have been. Your committee met at his studio and gave it due consideration, making some suggestions for its modification, and directing that it should be photographed for further study and criticism. This has been done, and it is now sub- mitted for your inspection. The committee is unanimous in recommending its adoption and erection. It is unique in design and character. It embodies the idea of utility, and also artistic taste and beauty. It is in harmony with the rural appearance of the place and its historic traditions. It