The Park River fountain has international historical significance because it is one of fewer than 100 WCTU monuments left in the world, Frisby said. The WCTU, an organization that supported social causes including temperance, built the fountain in hopes that it would encourage people to drink more water and less alcohol.
Effort seeks to preserve historic temperance monument in Park River, N.D.
The Park River fountain has international historical significance because it is one of fewer than 100 WCTU monuments left in the world, Frisby said. The WCTU, an organization that supported social causes including temperance, built the fountain in hopes that it would encourage people to drink more water and less alcohol. 1:21 pm, Apr. 18, 2021 ×
Park River, N.D., architect Agatha Frisby, left, and attorney Tracy Laaveg survey the community s Women s Christian Temperance Union monument. Residents hope to restore the rare structure, which dates to 1906. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
Effort seeks to preserve historic temperance monument in Park River, N.D. Statue is an ode to dry times in the state
The Park River WCTU cement fountain was built in September 1906 by Ed Herwik at a cost of about $300. The fountain, decorated with Scotch granite, was dedicated at the 17th annual North Dakota WCTU convention. 3:00 pm, Apr. 16, 2021 ×
Park River (ND) architect Agatha Frisby, left, and attorney Tracy Laaveg survey the stone fountain, with an arch on four columns and surrounded by a stone fence, located in what is known as Little Park, near downtown. The arch is inscribed with the words, For Humanity s Sake. Frisby and Laaveg are part of a group of Park River residents who are trying to restore the historic monument built by the Women s Christian Temperance Union in the early 1900 s. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald