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In 1960 the monument was sandblasted and repaired at the expense of the Business and Professional Women's Club of Fryeburg. Since 1954 it has been decorated summer and winter by that organization. |
In Article 11, 1884--Original Records of the Town of Fryeburg--Voted to instruct the Selectmen to erect a public watering fountain on Main Street. Voted to a sum not exceeding $20.00 to carry the above vote into effect.
In The North Conway Reporter, March 6, 1902 an article appeared that Henry Pierce of California had offered to donate a fine fountain to be erected at the head of Portland Street where the small fountain now stands, to cost some $1500.00. The monument was given in memory of Mr. Piece's great grandfather, John Stevens, who spent a winter here in 1762 - 3. The water was turned on in the monument on November 5th, a great crowd gathered around the fountain to witness this historic event. The following poem was read:
| Welcome, thrice welcome is they silvery gleam, Thou long, imprisoned stream! Welcome the tinkle of thy crystal beads As splashing raindrops to the flowery meands. As summer's breath to Fryeburg's whispering reeds! From rock-walled channels, drowned in rayless night, Leap forth to life and light; Wake from the darkness of they troubled dream And greet with answering smile the morning's beam. |  |
The monument is made of white Hallowell granite, resting upon a base 7 to 8 feet square and 10 feet thick. On this base rests four larges pieces of granite, three bowls for animals and one with a faucet and cup for the people. The town removed the flag staffs, the electric light poles and the unsightly stone guide post which has stood in the corner from time immemorial so that the monument will command a clear and unobstructed view from all points of the compass.
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