OOS Sculpture

Probasco Fountain

1887 / Samuel Hannaford / Cincinnati

Probasco from west.jpeg

A simple double basin fountain originally designed to water the horses. Central column consists of classical architectural forms.

The fountain was donated by Henry Probasco, a successful local businessman who also donated the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain in downtown Cincinnati. This fountain was originally placed in the middle of Clifton avenue and was later moved to the roadside. It was designed by architect Samuel Hannaford. A chrysanthemum spigot was added to the fountain, which was restored and rededicated in 2015.

Location: Clifton Area Neighborhood School, 3711 Clifton Ave

County

: Hamilton

Citation

: Samuel Hannaford, “Probasco Fountain,” Ohio Outdoor Sculpture , accessed December 3, 2023, http://oos.sculpturecenter.org/items/show/506.

Title

Probasco Fountain

Description

A simple double basin fountain originally designed to water the horses. Central column consists of classical architectural forms.

The fountain was donated by Henry Probasco, a successful local businessman who also donated the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain in downtown Cincinnati. This fountain was originally placed in the middle of Clifton avenue and was later moved to the roadside. It was designed by architect Samuel Hannaford. A chrysanthemum spigot was added to the fountain, which was restored and rededicated in 2015.

Date

1887

Subject

Source

Centner, R. & Farr, P. (2006). Cincinnati sculpture unveiled: The story behind the art. Little Miami Publishing Co.

Publisher

Ohio Outdoor Sculpture

Type

Identifier

506

Location City

Location County

Provider Entity

Henry Probasco

Location Street

3711 Clifton Ave

Location Type

Media Base Depth

10 feet

Media Sculpture Height

10 feet

Media Base Height

2 feet, 6 inches

Media Base Width

17 feet, 4 inches

Installation Date

1887

Materials

Inscription

Carved on dedication plaque on fountain:
"Henry Probasco/to the/people of Clifton/1887/Thirsty and ye gave me drink"
Carved on plaque for chrysanthemum spout addition:
"This chrysanthemum spigot/provides a continuous flow/of safe, fresh water for/people to drink/The fountain's basins are designed/to quench the thirst of horses, dogs, birds/and other creatures/Donated by the Clifton Community Fund"