The Town Pump Fountain, designed by John F. Collins, has proudly stood at the beginning of the pedestrian mall in Salem, Mass for over 36 years. It stands on the very spot of a natural spring, which then became the first town watering pump. The fountain consists of a basin, lined with local cobble stones and bordered by slightly raised steps. Three concrete panels are positioned in an H formation, allowing a waterfall to tumble down the center. Two of the concrete panels contain rectangular bronze plaques. One describes the inspiration for the fountain: a short story, “A Rill from the Town Pump,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In the story, the narrator assumes the voice of the town pump, sharing its encounters with Native American sagamores, early settlers, Endicott, baptized children, farmers, dogs, and even the town drunk. Illustrations accompany the story on the other plaque. Recently, the base was changed significantly, and for the worse. #brutalism #brutalist_architecture #brutalist_fountain #John_F_Collins #MA #Salem #Town_Pump_Fountain #urban_renewal
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