Dr. Cogswell Fountain Stands Again in Vernon

Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne announced that the replica of the Dr. Henry D. Cogswell Fountain has been restored and returned to Central Park Green in town.

Rosetta Pitkat, a 102-year-old lifelong resident of Vernon commissioned the replicated statute.

“The Town of Vernon is most grateful for the generosity of Mrs. Pitkat and her commitment to seeing the statue returned to the citizens of Vernon,” Champagne said.

Pitkat, a 35-year teacher in the town’s school system has also donated in the past. She gave a $100,000 to scholarship funds for a Rockville High School senior who is pursuing teaching.

The iconic statue was removed for inspection in March 2013 due to several stress fractures. Bundy Motors repaired the statue, Champagne said.

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Originally cast in zinc alloy 1883, the first Cogswell fountain was topped with a life-sized statue of

Cogwell holding a glass of water in one hand and a copy of the Temperance Pledge in the other. It was erected in honor of Dr. Henry Cogswell’s cousin, William T. Cogswell, a local builder.

Dr. Henry Cogswell was a millionaire dentist, temperance crusader, and philanthropist. He pledged to erect a fountain for every 100 saloons across the country.

On July 4, 1885, the statue was stolen and dumped into Snipsic Lake. After its recovery, it disappeared a short time later. On July 4, 1908, the statue appeared again as part of the Town’s Centennial Celebration. The statue was eventually donated and melted as part of the World War II scrap metal drive.

“Vernon is fortunate to have a rich and colorful history,” said Champagne. “Any time we can take a moment together, as a community, and celebrate our heritage, it’s a good day,” he said.

Image via Vernon Mayor’s Office