The Providence Athenæum

This architectural drawing depicts the method of attaching cup chains to the Athenæum’s Richmond Fountain. In 1873, Athenæum member Anna Richmond donated $300 to build a drinking fountain outside the library on Benefit Street, with a further $300 for its upkeep. It served as a source of clean drinking water for the public, who would fill and drink from small brass cups that hung from chains affixed to the fountain.

The fountain was designed by the Boston-based architectural firm Ware and Van Brunt. Made of granite and designed in the Gothic style, the fountain reads “Come Hither Every One That Thirsteth”; while the fountain quickly became known as “The Richmond Fountain” once the donor was revealed, Anna chose not to emblazon it with her own name as was customary. The fountain was connected to the Pawtuxet River water supply, and people often said that all who drank from the fountain were destined to return to Providence.

Lancaster, Jane. Inquire Within: A Social History of the Providence Athenæum Since 1753. Providence Athenæum, 2003, pp. 90-92, 147, 151.

Annual Report of the Directors of the Providence Athenæum to the Proprietors. Providence, Providence Athenæum, 1873, pp. 10-12.