In Shemanski Fountain, how is the History discussed?
Shemanski petitioned the City Council to let him gift the fountain, which began operating on September 3, 1926. In 1987, the fountain's plumbing was repaired and a new base was poured as part of a renovation of the South Park Blocks. That same year, Logan and two other men—David L. Lipman and Jeff Wolfstone, grandson and great-grandson of Shemanski, respectively—approached the Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation, advocating for the fountain's restoration. During the renovation process, the fountain was thoroughly cleaned, had missing pieces such as finials and urns replaced and chipped corners repaired, and was coated with a sealant to protect it from the elements and graffiti. In July 1988, the fountain re-opened following nearly a year of reconditioning. A dedication ceremony to mark the restoration was held on the afternoon of July 18. One park designer with the Park Bureau said, "the water will be turned on for the first time that anybody can remember." Lipman, Logan and Wolfstone attended the ceremony. Logan, aged 88, was the only surviving person who participated in the fountain's design and construction. The men offered funds for part of the renovation and the purchase of a bronze plaque that includes the original rendering done by Logan and describes the fountain's history and recent work. Costs for the plaque and renovation totaled $14,000.
The fountain and sculpture were surveyed by the Smithsonian's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program in 1993. Lee Lacey advocated for a 2004 restoration of the fountain; his lobbying efforts, among other accomplishments, earned him the Downtown Neighborhood Association's inaugural First Neighbor Award in 2005. The restoration was completed by conservator Marie Laibinis-Craft and Pioneer Waterproofing. In 2008, The Oregonian reported that the fountain was "completely dry".According to The Oregonian, the fountain and statue "commemorates kindness"; however it has been vandalized on several occasions. In 1988, three brass bowls were removed from the recently renovated fountain. In 2007, the statue of Rebecca was pushed off its base, resulting in nearly $10,000 in damage. In 2008, one of the fountain's three brass nozzles was stolen. In December 2011, when Occupy Portland protesters were camping at Shemanski Park, a cup of coffee was drawn on the statue using a marker or paint.The fountain has been used as a reference point for gatherings. In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, a peace shrine consisting of flowers, "scrawled words" and candles was erected at the fountain. In 2003, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals displayed photographs of slaughterhouses next to those of Nazi extermination camps by the fountain. In 2006, a PDX AIDS Day Promise Vigil was held in conjunction with World AIDS Day at the site. In 2010, 600 Catholic women and their supporters gathered at the site for the first "One Spirit – One Call" event, which brought focus to their role within the Church. Shemanski Fountain was chosen at the gathering site for its depiction of Rebecca.
The Oregonian Rebecca Portland People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals World AIDS Day South Park Blocks Nazi Occupy Portland Save Outdoor Sculpture! September 11 attacks Sculpture fountain Fountain