Montgomery is fortunate to be located on a large resource of natural artisan wells and the one at Court Square is a fine example. During the early days of Montgomery, the fountain was a small well, used by both whites and blacks to draw water. There were several wells located around Montgomery for those who could not afford, or did not have a private well on their property. It wasn’t until the 1850’s that the well was dug out to its present size and a fence was put in place. The well was known as “big basin.” There was another well nearby know as “little basin” which was eventually closed. However, big basin would remain the same for another 30 years.
By the mid-1880’s, complaints arose from the citizens of Montgomery, as well as the local newspapers, about the condition of Big Basin. W. W. Screws, the editor of the Montgomery Advertiser, referred to it as “the hog wallow in the Square” which paints some idea as to the condition of the well. The Mayor and City Council gave instructions to Alderman T. H. Carr to purchase something which would solve the problem. He traveled to New York and within a few days sent a wire to the city council announcing he had purchased a fountain. The wire read, “I have bought the fountain. Its weight is fifteen tons, and I think the people will be satisfied.” The fountain was made by the J. L. Mott Iron Works of New York and was a welcomed addition by all of Montgomery. The fountain is crowned by Hebe, the goddess of youth and cup-bearer to the gods, and surrounded by her attendants, babies, and birds.
After the fountain was placed in Big Basin, it was put to use in a number of ways. Many times it has been decorated for various celebrations, including the return of soldiers from World War I. In 1917, Hebe was dressed in a Red Cross uniform as a show of support for our troops. I’m sure many of those who showed up in support of our troops enjoyed a delicious hotdog at Chris’. Over the years, soap has been poured into the fountain, the water has been turned pink for cancer awareness, and there are stories of Zelda Sayer, and others, dancing in the water.
