Cemetery

The Restoration of the Washington Cemetery Fountain

by the Garden Clubs of Fayette County:

History of the Fountain:  picture of fountain

Restored fountain

Many times aging structures are viewed simply as 'old'.  We pass them every day without realizing the unique treasure that lies before us.  Such is the fountain in the Washington Cemetery.  Records indicate that this fountain was erected in 1892.   Originally it was situated on Section 4 where it could be seen by all entering the front gate of the cemetery.  In 1904 it was moved to the lake area in the center of the cemetery.  Here the fountain was surrounded by gardens and walkways.  It became the center for many activities including memorial celebrations and family outings.  

Over the years the pump wore out, the lake was filled in to save money in maintenance, and the fountain fell into disrepair.  The three cherubs which graced the second tier of the fountain disappeared and urns situated on the basin were broken or missing.   In short the once proud fountain fell into miserable disrepair. 

The fountain was originally purchased from the J.W. Fiske Company, perhaps after Washington residents saw a similar fountain in Lancaster.  The Lancaster fountain - a zinc structure was purchased for a cost of $3,215.  It was installed and dedicated in the Lancaster community square in 1890.  According to reports the old fountain is a replica of a fountain in Etain, France.  Another copy is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.  It was installed and named the Diamond Jubilee Fountain in honor of the years of Queen Victoria's rule in Halifax. 

Perhaps the Washington Cemetery Fountain was not a replica of another but an original designed specifically to grace our cemetery.  Upon asking Mr. Karkadoulias, who is knowledgeable on Greek mythology, if he felt there was a meaning to the figures on the cemetery fountain, he replied:

"In my opinion the two bottom statues represent women who are 'mourning in grief' for the loss of friends and relatives.  The three cherubs on the second level are the angels who are the messengers between the Lord and the women in mourning.  The lady on the top of the fountain is soothing the pain of the women on the bottom by pouring or sprinkling water on them.  The lady can also be the 'Lady of the Healing Water'.   The water is healing the wounds of the body and soul and nurtures the soul and the spirit of man."

Very few of these early Fiske fountains are known to have survived to this day.   In fact the Karkadoulias Bronze Art Company, which specializes in restoration of these fountains has acknowledged their awareness of only 5 similar fountains. The Karkadoulias Company restores the fountain in Lancaster in 1986, and has the molds and specifications of the Washington Fountain, which will enable the company to renovate the fountain to its original elegance.

The Garden Clubs of Fayette County have taken on the ambitious project of raising money for the restoration of the historic fountain.  Memorial bricks, which will become a lasting tribute, may be purchased from Garden Club members, through the Huntington Bank or at the Washington Cemetery Office.  For a brochure on this project, please contact the Washington Cemetery Office.

The fountain was removed June 2, 2002 and transported to Cincinnati, where it will be rebuilt and refurbished on the inside as well as on the outside.  The paint and decay will be removed, the structure will be strengthened, and the triple fountain water system will again grace the heart of the Cemetery.  The Fountain will return to the Cemetery in the Spring 2003.  Once again visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty that once graced the area between the Judy Chapel and the Washington Mausoleum.

Judy Chapel  - pictures  

Restored in 1997, the Judy Memorial Chapel is an historic jewel of the Washington Cemetery grounds.  Built in 1905 at the direction of Dr. Henry Judy, the late gothic revival style, cross-shaped, granite building was intended for funeral services before funeral homes became preferred locations.  Bedecked by stained glass windows and opulent woodwork, the chapel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.     

The U.S. Colored Troops Section burial sites are a significant historical feature of the cemetery.  Approximately 50 African-American veterans who had served in the Union Army during the Civil War were buried between the 1870 and the 1930s.  Seventeen other burial sites have been located in Fayette County.  Each are identified with military burial markers with names and regimental designation.   Log onto www.washingtonch.k12.oh.us/mapsite for more information.

  Past Political Figures

Mills Gardner, 1830-1910

 Mills Gardner most notable political position was as a Republican  member of the United States House of Representatives to the Forty-fifth Congress from March 4, 1877 to March 3, 1879.  He was born in Russellville, Ohio in Brown County on January 30, 1830 and attended the local schools of Highland County and also Rankins Academy in Ripley, Ohio. He moved to Fayette County in 1854 and studied law and was admitted to the bar in the following year of 1855 commencing his law practice in Washington Court House, Ohio  the same year. During the years of 1855 - 1859 Mr. Gardner was the prosecuting attorney for Fayette County. In the years of 1862 to 1863 he was a member of the Ohio State senate and in 1866 was elected to the Ohio State House of Representatives for a 2 year term. In 1872 he was a delegate to the state constitutional convention. In 1878 and not being a candidate for reelection  to congress he resumed his law practice in Washington Court until the time of his death on February 20, 1910. Mills Gardner was interred in the Washington Cemetery, his gravesite can be found in Section 10 - Lot 6.

James Douglass Post, 1863-1921

James Douglass Post was born near Milledgeville  in Fayette County Ohio on November 25, 1863. He attended the local county schools and graduated from  the National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio in 1882. Mr. Post taught school for five years while studying law and was accepted into the bar in 1887 and started his law practice in Washington Court House, Ohio. He began his political career  in 1911, he was  elected as a Democratic Representative to the United States House of Representatives for the Sixty-second and Sixty-third congresses. He served as a representative from March 4, 1911 until March 3, 1915 for two terms when he was not renominated for the Sixty-fourth Congress. Mr. Post returned to his  offices in Washington Court House and practiced  law until the time of his death on April 1, 1921. He was interred in the Washington Cemetery and his gravesite can be found in Section 15 - Lot 7.

Visit the Washington Cemetery.  The cemetery grounds, along with the Judy Memorial Chapel, the U.S. Colored Troops burial sites and the Washington Cemetery Fountain, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4 pm.  Call ahead at 740-636-2385 to confirm hours due to funeral schedules and to arrange a tour of the Judy Chapel.

The Fayette County Historical Museum proudly showcases items from the county's rich history.  The private, non-profit historical society operates the museum at 517 Columbus Avenue, Washington Courthouse.  It is open weekend afternoons May through October.  Admission is free.  Call 740-335-2953 for more information and group tour arrangements.