This trough is located right outside of Pennsylvania Hospital, and I think it’s amazing that it survives. There were several groups such as Womens Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Philadelphia Fountain Society who funded these fountains a hundred and fifty years ago, at a time when fresh water for working horses was not readily available.
This particular fountain was installed in 1913, and memorializes Edward Wetherill. Weatherill was an abolitionist who along with his wife Anna, aided escaped slaves, sometimes sheltering them in their home on 911 Clinton Street. These seasonal drinking fountains decreased horse deaths in the city during the sweltering summers.
I’m amazed that it hasn’t been defaced, or broken up.
They did put cement posts on both sides of it to protect it from cars.
The fountain is dedicated to Edward Wetherill, my 3rd great grandfather. He and his wife Anna and his daughters were abolitionists and were active in the suffragette movement. They sheltered slaves at their home 911 Clinton St., a few feet away from the fountain, and at their country house on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Chalkley Hall (now demolished). The door to Chalkley Hall is on display at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. Thanks for featuring it!
Thanks so much for commenting Kelly!