The Genius of Water: A Monument, Gathering Point, and Drinking Fountain

August 05, 2018 2 Comments

Tyler Davidson Fountain

Photo: Derek Jensen

The Tyler Davidson fountain is easily recognized by Cincinnatians as the centerpiece of downtown. It’s also known to folks outside the area thanks to its inclusion in the opening credits of the TV series WKRP in Cincinnati.  

Conceived in the 1840s by German sculptor August von Kreling (1819-1876) for King Ludwig I, the project wasn’t completed until 1870. That’s because the sculptor was unable to find a patron to fund the work. So it basically sat on the old drawing board until 1866.

That’s when Cincinnati native Henry Probasco saw the drawings and decided the sculpture would be a wonderful centerpiece for his hometown, as well as a tribute to his late brother-in-law, and former boss, Tyler Davidson.

Probasco had come town around 1835 and wound up in the employ of Davidson. In 1840, he became a junior partner in Davidson’s importing and hardware business. That same year, he married his partner’s sister, Julia.

While hardly destitute, the family’s fortunes greatly improved when Probasco came up with the idea of replacing Davidson’s old building with a brand new five-story edifice on Main Street. That location today is roughly the corner of Joe Nuxhall Way and East Freedom Way, across from the entrance to the Reds Hall of Fame at Great American Ballpark.

The new store was a huge success and made Davidson and Probasco extremely wealthy; swimming pools, movie stars rich, even though they didn’t have movie stars yet. And where a huge influx of wealth sometimes has a negative impact on families, the Probasco’s and Davidson’s remained very close and quite fond of each other.

In 1866, Tyler passed, leaving a fortune to his sister and brother-in-law, allowing the couple to retire and travel. It was on a trip to Europe that they came across the renderings for the Genius of Water sculpture and fountain.

The idea for such a fountain had been envisioned by Davidson about a decade before his passing. However, for him it was less about aesthetics and more to do with public morality. At the time, the only place to get a drink of water downtown was from a bar or saloon. Folks often did that, and then followed their water with a beer chaser. Indeed, one of the things that attracted Probasco to the design was a feature that allowed the fountain to also function as a drinking fountain, which technically it still does. For years, each of the 4 spigots had an attached tin cup, until people became aware of germs. With all the boxes checked, Probasco was sold. He paid for the fountain’s construction, then had it shipped in pieces to Cincinnati.  

At Probasco’s insistence, the city created a narrow plaza down the middle of Fifth Street and placed the fountain at its center. Originally it faced east to honor the heritage of Cincinnatians who had come from Europe. In 1960, it was flipped around to face west for reasons unknown, as Fountain Square was expanded northward. In 2005, the entire fountain was moved to the center of the square where it sits today. At this time, the Genius of Water statue was reoriented to face south, towards the river, tying the importance of the river into Fountain Square and the heart of the city.




2 Responses

Aira
Aira

February 01, 2023

It is not my first time to pay a quick visit this web page, i am visiting this website dailly and get fastidious information from here daily.
온라인 카지노
카지노사이트
바카라사이트
토토사이트
호텔 카지노
https://www.j9korea.com/

Morgan
Morgan

January 29, 2023

With so much in my heart I am here to express myself on how Priest Salami saved my marriage from divorce. Myself and my husband were having some misunderstanding and it was tearing our marriage apart to the extent my husband was seeking a divorce. So I have no option other than to go to the internet to seek a solution to my problem. It was there I came across Priest Salami details and about how he has helped a lot of people by restoring their relationship. I contacted Priest Salami and in less than 48 hours my husband cancelled the divorce papers. Now myself and my husband live together in peace and harmony all thanks to Priest Salami for saving my marriage from breaking up. Priest Salami contact information are via email: purenaturalhealer@gmail.com. Whatsapp number: +2348143757229

Leave a comment


Also in Cincy Shirts News

My first memories as a Cincinnati Reds Fan
My first memories as a Cincinnati Reds Fan

March 19, 2024 1742 Comments

As the 2024 season draws near, I find myself reflecting on the journey that led me to become a devoted Cincinnati Reds fan. For many of us, our passion for this team and the game itself runs deep in our blood, often cultivated by the experiences shared with family and friends. 

Learn More

Cincy Shirts Student Spiritwear Design Contest!
Cincy Shirts Student Spiritwear Design Contest!

February 16, 2024 1650 Comments

Learn More

Banana Splits at Kings Island
Remember the Banana Splits Movie That Was Filmed at KI?

April 04, 2023 2261 Comments

Learn More