Our Hometown
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Sodus fountain finds a new home In the year 1917 the Sodus Woman's Christian Temperance Union raised funds to construct a fountain to be placed in front of the Snider House (now the 1812 Hotel) on Main Street. The fountain was a handsome structure, with a bubble fountain in front for drinking purposes and a large trough for horses an a small trough for dogs on the backside. Two large urns of each side were part of the ornamental features. As a poem written in later years suggests, the purpose of the fountain was to discourage the consumption of alcohol... They called themselves the W.C.T.U. Bunch of busy-bodies, what did they do? Put up a fountain in front of the inn, Said, 'Drink the water, not the gin!'
Never did hear them women too well, Even now, they don't ring my bell. We used that ole fountain for horses and dogs While we sat at the bar drinking mugs of grog. The fountain was moved to the hill behind the Sodus Central School on Mill Street where it stayed until the building additions to the school necessitated its move. Finding no proper place to put it, it has rested on a grid behind the Village Barn for the past several years. Interest in the fountain by several people this past year resulted in trying to find a proper place to put it. The Sodus Cemetery Association offered a place for it but did not have the monies to move it. The Sodus Town Board designated a fund of $5,000 to be used in this respect and contributions from two other people resulted in a fund being set up under the direction of the Cemetery Association. In June, after digging and laying a foundation the fountain was professionally moved to the triangle at the south end of the cemetery. The plans are to restore it to its initial beauty, with working fountains, lights, a paved area with a bench so it can be viewed by everyone. The old fountain has found its final home. The costs of moving and restoring it are substantial and the initial funding will only go so far. Contributions from anyone who is interested in preserving a little bit of Sodus History would be more than welcome. Contributions should be sent to the Sodus Cemetery Association, P0 Box 4, Sodus, NY 14551.
Copyright
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2006 |
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