South Acton Iron Fountain and Watering Trough

Location: Originally, Exchange Square, South Acton.  Currently: Outside Recreation Department, 50 Audubon Drive, South Acton.
In 1913, a new iron watering trough (referred to as a fountain) was installed in Exchange Square, South Acton.  It was considered an aesthetic improvement over the 1896 stone trough.  Originally, the iron fountain had signs pointing out the way to other towns and cities and was topped by a globe light.  The white globe was removed in 1917 because of fears that it would break from the jarring caused by wagon tongues hitting the metal water bowl when horses were brought to drink. 

By 1930, the fountain was seen as a nuisance and a hazard, not only to drivers, but also to school children who congregated there in the morning while cars passed on all sides.  The fountain was removed in July, 1930.  In the process, it was discovered that its base had been damaged by collisions with poles of horse-drawn vehicles.  The fountain resided on private property on High Street in South Acton for many years and then was moved to its present location outside of the Recreation Department. 

For further information see:
Concord Enterprise:
  • July 7, 1915, page 10, South Acton news
  • November 28, 1917, page 10, "White Globe Gone"
  • February 5, 1930, page 1, "Articles Noted in Town Warrant"
  • June 11, 1930, page 5, South Acton news
Town Reports:
  • Year Ending Jan 31, 1914: March 31, 1913 Town Meeting, article 22 & Selectmen's Report
  • Year Ending Dec. 31, 1930: March 10, 1930 Town Meeting, article 29 & Selectmen's Report
Sullivan, Larry.  For the Accommodation of Man and Beast. (The Horse Troughs and Drinking Fountains of the Henry W. Clapp Co. and the Concord Foundry Co.).  Warner, NH: The Warner Historical Society, 2019.  See pages 72 and 73.