The long anticipated Chestertown Arts and Entertainment District logo was revealed on Friday to much applause.
The packed event, held indoors because of rain, took place at the Cassinelli Distillery on High Street, with introductions given by Economic Development & Marketing Coordinator for the A & E District Kay MacIntosh, and Mayor Chris Cerino.
Former editor of Kent County News Kevin Hemstock delivered a historical overview of Chestertown specifically focusing on Fountain Park’s statuary and the female figure atop it pouring water from an amphora. Referring to another unveiling 117 years ago, Hemstock said,
“So, on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 1899, six-year-old Ida Orem Smith pulled the string on the veil and revealed the town fountain as it began its water-splash siren song that has mesmerized so many over the years.
And what about that graceful lady on top? Her name is Hebe, cupbearer of the gods. She was adopted as a fountainhead by Robert Wood early on, who took the image from a 19th-century sculpture by Antonio Canova.” (See full text at bottom of page)
The striking new A & E logo, a graphic interpretation of Hebe, was accomplished by Benchworks in collaboration with local book artist Robbi Behr. Thad Bench II was on hand to honor the occasion to underscore Benchworks’ full support of the town in its promotional efforts.
“Chestertown’s Arts & Entertainment District was certified in 2015 under a program administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce and the State Comptroller’s Office. The District encompasses 51 acres of the historic downtown area, stretching from the Chester River waterfront to Mill Street. It offers state and local tax abatements for qualified artists who create and sell their creative works in the District and for property owners who build or renovate structures for qualified arts purposes.”
Historical overview by Kevin Hemstock
It’s uncertain who actually laid out Chestertown when the county seat was established in 1706, but the “village green” was part of that plan.
Newspaper accounts tell us that militia units drilled there in the early 1800s. Itinerate companies and events used the green. They included circuses, acrobats, menageries, photographers, portrait artists and shooting matches.
A market house was built. It was open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the town paid for a market manager. One might find all sorts of vendors – butchers, bakers, candlestick makers, so to speak. Public auctions were held there and, yes, slaves were bought and sold there, at least once.
The last market house, a 60- by 30-foot brick structure, was built about 1859. It was a project of the Reed Rifles militia. That group regularly drilled in the square and its members became the core of the 2nd Regiment of Eastern Shore Volunteers that fought in the Civil War.
By 1891, the market house – and the rest of the square – was in decline. Harrison Vickers, son of the senator, described the square as a dust pit in the summer and a mud puddle in the winter.
Under public pressure, the town determined to make improvements. The first step was taking down that old market house in 1896. But it was the women of the town who mobilized to restore the square into a beautiful town centerpiece.
The Ladies Improvement Society of Chestertown was established July 12, 1898. The group included the town’s most prominent women, with names like Barroll and Hubbard, and their husbands, of course, were drafted to help.
Work began in the summer of 1898, with the current layout and design by Walter T. Pippin. Landscaping began early the next spring. In May 1899 the word was out that the ladies planned something special – a fountain! Serendipity played a part. A former Methodist pastor of Chestertown, Charles Grise, spotted a fountain at the Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery that was for sale. He notified friends in Chestertown and, in June, some of the ladies, including Etta Hubbard and Margaret Barroll, went to Wilmington and approved the thousand-dollar purchase.
A description sent ahead of the fountain noted the lion heads, swans and “the figure of a graceful lady who stands with arms upraised, and from whose hand there shoots up a stream of water.”
It’s the very same fountain that’s in the park, manufactured sometime between 1866 and 1878 by Robert Wood & Company of Philadelphia.
The six-ton fountain was brought down by train on June 26, 1899. It was delivered to its home in the park and hooked it up to town water. A spectacular unveiling was planned.
So, on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 1899, six-year-old Ida Orem Smith pulled the string on the veil and revealed the town fountain as it began its water-splash siren song that has mesmerized so many over the years.
And what about that graceful lady on top? Her name is Hebe, cupbearer of the gods. She was adopted as a fountain top by Robert Wood early on, who took the image from a 19th-century sculpture by Antonio Canova.
She’s had her ups and downs. She’s been sand blasted and painted. Trees have fallen on her. She’s had a broken arm repaired and has been on a couple of junkets to be freshened up. And, from her perch on high, she has borne witness to innumerable functions, political rallies, prayer sessions, trysts, get-togethers, weddings, bands, art shows, and, yes, lots of farmers markets. And she remains, after 117 years, an apt ambassador for Chestertown.
Jay Yerkes says
There was also a song performed that was written by Jay Yerkes and performed along with the help of Mayor Cerino! 🙂
Big smile 🙂
Good article, Jim
Jane Knighton says
Thank you for the history of the Chestertown fountain. Hebe inspired me the moment I came to town scouting possible
painting sites for the recent Paint the Town event. I’m so happy I was able to paint this piece of history. What a gem
for your friendly town! Thanks again.
Artfully yours,
Jane Knighton