Anyone who has been to the Village of Saugerties in the Hudson Valley can tell you that the busiest part of the village is at the intersection of Main and Partition Streets, and that is precisely where the well-intentioned citizens had the much maligned Children’s Fountain erected.
The fountain is known as the Children’s Fountain, named after the schoolchildren who raised the money to build it. From day one of its existence, the fountain drew considerable heat over its unusual appearance and central placement, which many thought was a visual mark on their village.
Over time, the Children’s Fountain, which was supposed to enhance the village, became an almost ignored piece of architecture. Ignored by many but not ignored by the village drunkards who would congregate at the fountain after the Saugerties pubs and saloons closed for the night. The perfect storm, inebriates, and a fountain for them to fall into and possibly drown in, and that is precisely what would happen regularly.
Out of frustration or desperation, the Village Board decided to shut down the Children’s Fountain, and they did. So, now Saugerties was stuck with a dry pink elephant of use to no one, including the village inebriates. The only solution was to move it, and move it they did. On June 19, 1911, it was moved to Seamon Park in Saugerties.
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