A rededication is planned for the Maids of the Mist Fountain in downtown St. Joseph next month. St. Joseph Public Works Director Greg Grothous tells us the fountain was taken out of Lake Bluff Park in April of last year to get a full restoration by McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory in Ohio.
“It has been a total restoration,” Grothous said. “Every little piece of the fountain has been removed, repaired if needed, sandblasted, repainted, and put back on with stainless steel screws so they don’t rust out.”
Grothous says the restoration has come with surprises as the central support column had to be replaced, and the company has restored even the smallest pieces of the fountain. It’s just about finished, and the rededication will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 17 right outside the Whitcomb.
“The main feature, which is the fountain will be there. We’re going to do a ribbon cutting with the mayor and some others who will have some comments. Then we’ll have a reception over at The Whitcomb.”
The Maids of the Mist Fountain was built 150 years ago and began its life at Lake Bluff Park 132 years ago, on August 27, 1892. The fountain is property of the city, originally purchased by H.E. Bucklew, the owner of the Whitcomb Hotel. Grothous says it’s been restored before, but never this thoroughly. The project’s $210,00 cost has been paid for by St. Joseph resident Judy Felland, who Grothous says is both generous and a fan of the fountain.
