Shemanski Fountain
{{Short description|Fountain and sculpture in Portland, Oregon}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox artwork
| title = Shemanski Fountain
| image_file = Shemanski Fountain, Portland (2013) - 2.jpg
| caption = Shemanski Fountain in 2013
| image_size =
| alt =
| other_language_1 =
| other_title_1 =
| artist = Carl L. Linde
| catalogue =
| year = {{start date|1926}}
| type = Fountain
| material = Sandstone
| subject =
| dimensions = Height: {{convert|144|in|m|abbr=on}};
Diameter: {{convert|224|in|m|abbr=on}}
| condition =
| city = Portland, Oregon
| museum =
| accession =
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 13
| coordinates = {{coord | 45.517282 | -122.682144 | type:landmark_region:US-OR_dim:3_source:googlemaps | display=inline,title}}
| owner = City of Portland
| url =
}}
{{Infobox artwork
| title = Rebecca at the Well
| image_file = Shemanski Fountain, Portland, Oregon (2008) - 2.jpg
| caption = Detail of Rebecca at the Well in 2008
| painting_alignment =
| image_size =
| alt =
| other_language_1 =
| other_title_1 = Rebecca at the Well
| artist = Oliver L. Barrett
| catalogue =
| year = {{start date|1928}}
| type = Sculpture
| material = Bronze
| subject = Rebecca
| dimensions = {{convert|42|*|18|*|14|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| condition =
| city = Portland, Oregon
| museum =
| accession =
| coordinates =
| owner = City of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council
| url =
}}
Shemanski Fountain, also known as Rebecca at the Well, is an outdoor fountain with a bronze sculpture, located in the South Park Blocks of downtown Portland, Oregon, in the United States.{{Cite web|title=SW Portland|url=http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/117201|access-date=August 1, 2013|publisher=Portland Parks & Recreation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925043108/http://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/117201|archive-date=September 25, 2013|url-status=live}} The sandstone fountain was designed in 1925, completed in 1926, and named after Joseph Shemanski, a Polish immigrant and businessman who gave it to the city. Carl L. Linde designed the trefoil, which features a statue designed by Oliver L. Barrett. The sculpture, which was added to the fountain in 1928, depicts the biblical personage Rebecca. Shemanski Fountain includes two drinking platforms with three basins each, with one platform intended for use by dogs.
The fountain underwent major renovations between 1987 and 1988 and in 2004. It has been vandalized on several occasions and has been used as a reference point for gatherings. It has also been included in public art guides and walking tours of Portland. According to "cultureNOW", the statue Rebecca at the Well is part of the City of Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection courtesy of the Regional Arts & Culture Council{{mdash}}the agency that maintains the sculpture.{{Cite web|url=http://culturenow.org/entry&permalink=06252&seo=Rebecca-at-the-Well-Shemanski-Fountain_Oliver-Barrett-and-City-of-Portland-and-Multnomah-County-Public-Art-Collection-courtesy-of-the-Regional-Arts-Culture-Council|title=Rebecca at the Well (Shemanski Fountain), 1926|publisher=cultureNOW|access-date=August 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022726/http://culturenow.org/entry%26permalink%3D06252%26seo%3DRebecca-at-the-Well-Shemanski-Fountain_Oliver-Barrett-and-City-of-Portland-and-Multnomah-County-Public-Art-Collection-courtesy-of-the-Regional-Arts-Culture-Council|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://racc.org/public-art/search/?recid=791.182|title=Rebecca at the Well (Shemanski Fountain)|publisher=Regional Arts & Culture Council|access-date=August 2, 2013}} The fountain surrounding the statue, often considered part of the artwork, is maintained by the Portland Water Bureau with assistance from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
Description
Shemanski Fountain was designed by Carl L. Linde in 1925, and is located behind the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall between Main Street and Salmon Street in Shemanski Park, part of the South Park Blocks of downtown Portland, Oregon.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Historic%20AND%201910%20AND%20Building%20AND%20Sparked%20AND%20Up%20AND%20the%20AND%20Town&s_dispstring=Historic%201910%20Building%20Sparked%20Up%20the%20Town%20AND%20date(1989)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1989&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Historic 1910 Building Sparked Up the Town|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|edition=Fourth|page=B02|first=Ann|last=Sullivan|date=April 3, 1989|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035344/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Historic%20AND%201910%20AND%20Building%20AND%20Sparked%20AND%20Up%20AND%20the%20AND%20Town&s_dispstring=Historic%201910%20Building%20Sparked%20Up%20the%20Town%20AND%20date(1989)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1989&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=News%20AND%20Update:%20AND%20New%20AND%20bus%20AND%20shelter%20AND%20honors%20AND%20transit%20AND%20advocate&s_dispstring=News%20Update:%20New%20bus%20shelter%20honors%20transit%20advocate%20AND%20date(2005)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2005&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=News Update: New bus shelter honors transit advocate|first=Fred|last=Leeson|date=November 17, 2005|newspaper=The Oregonian|edition=Sunrise|location=Portland, Oregon|page=12|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035027/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=News%20AND%20Update:%20AND%20New%20AND%20bus%20AND%20shelter%20AND%20honors%20AND%20transit%20AND%20advocate&s_dispstring=News%20Update:%20New%20bus%20shelter%20honors%20transit%20advocate%20AND%20date(2005)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2005&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=674&action=ViewPark|title=South Park Blocks|access-date=June 10, 2013|publisher=Portland Parks & Recreation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215073930/http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=674&action=ViewPark|archive-date=December 15, 2012|url-status=live}} It was gifted to Portland by Joseph Shemanski (1869–1951), a Polish immigrant who became a successful businessman after founding Eastern Outfitting Co., to "express in small measure gratitude" for what the city offered to him.{{Cite news|title=Death Comes to Shemanski|date=June 10, 1951|work=The Sunday Oregonian|page=1}} The fountain is triangular and cast from Oregon sandstone. The Italianesque trefoil supports two drinking platforms with three basins each,{{Cite web|url=http://www.oregon.com/metro_portland_attractions/fountains_of_downtown_portland|title=The Fountains of Downtown Portland|access-date=August 1, 2013|publisher=Oregon Interactive Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820025054/http://oregon.com/metro_portland_attractions/fountains_of_downtown_portland|archive-date=August 20, 2013|url-status=live}} with one platform intended for use by dogs.{{Cite web|url=http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states/oregon/portland/rebecca-at-the-well-shemanski-fountain-thingstodo-detail-118090/|title=Rebecca at the Well Shemanski Fountain, Portland|access-date=May 23, 2013|publisher=AOL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407045952/http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states/oregon/portland/rebecca-at-the-well-shemanski-fountain-thingstodo-detail-118090/|archive-date=April 7, 2013|url-status=live}} Inara Verzemnieks of The Oregonian described the fountain's lower water basins as "cute little bowl-sized pools at the base" for the purpose of serving pets "who did not have a place to cool off".{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Gurgling%20AND%20urban%20AND%20getaways&s_dispstring=Gurgling%20urban%20getaways%20AND%20date(2008)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2008&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Gurgling urban getaways|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|first=Inara|last=Verzemnieks|date=August 15, 2008|edition=Sunrise|page=5|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035413/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Gurgling%20AND%20urban%20AND%20getaways&s_dispstring=Gurgling%20urban%20getaways%20AND%20date(2008)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2008&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} Thayne Logan, a designer who worked for Linde, said that Shemanski "wanted something for the little animals".{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Shemanski%20AND%20Fountain%20AND%20will%20AND%20flow%20AND%20again%20AND%20after%20AND%20renovation&s_dispstring=Shemanski%20Fountain%20will%20flow%20again%20after%20renovation%20AND%20date(1988)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1988&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Shemanski Fountain will flow again after renovation|date=July 18, 1988|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland|first=Suzanne|last=Richards|edition=Fourth|page=B05|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035229/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Shemanski%20AND%20Fountain%20AND%20will%20AND%20flow%20AND%20again%20AND%20after%20AND%20renovation&s_dispstring=Shemanski%20Fountain%20will%20flow%20again%20after%20renovation%20AND%20date(1988)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1988&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} Logan also said that the fountain's original design called for granite, but it was constructed of cast stone because of that material's popularity at the time. According to the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the fountain is {{Convert|144|in|m}} high and has a diameter of {{Convert|224|in|m}}. An inscription around the top of the fountain reads: "To the People of / The City of Portland / By Joseph Shemanski".{{Cite web|url=http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=13768C53435B9.1845&profile=ariall&uri=full=3100001~!13612~!0&ri=5&menu=search&source=~!siartinventories|title=Rebecca at the Well, (sculpture).|access-date=August 18, 2013|publisher=Smithsonian Institution|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217084710/http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=13768C53435B9.1845&profile=ariall&uri=full=3100001~!13612~!0&ri=5&menu=search&source=~!siartinventories|archive-date=February 17, 2015|url-status=live}} Other inscriptions include "O. Barrett SC '27 Cal. Br. Foundry, L.A" and a signed Founder's mark. The bottom of the fountain is decorated with busts of females. It is maintained by the Portland Water Bureau with assistance from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
The fountain's original design included a large planter, but following its construction Shemanski hired Oliver Laurence Barrett to create a bronze statue to replace the vase. Barrett, an arts professor at the University of Oregon, designed Rebecca at the Well, though his reasons for depicting the Biblical personage Rebecca fetching water are unknown.{{Cite web|url=http://moon.com/2013/07/portland-public-art/|title=Art in Portland: Galleries, Gifts, and More|first1=W. C.|last1=McRae|first2=Judy|last2=Jewell|first3=Hollyanna|last3=McCollom|work=Moon Travel Guides |date=July 9, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2013|publisher=Moon Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921150550/http://moon.com/2013/07/portland-public-art/|archive-date=September 21, 2013|url-status=live}} According to Portland Parks & Recreation, which operates the South Park Blocks, he chose Rebecca for "her hospitality to strangers and kindness to animals". The bureau has also said that Rebecca was chosen because of her offers to draw water for Abraham. The statue, which depicts Rebecca holding a jug on her right shoulder, was added to the fountain in 1928. Rebecca at the Well measures {{Convert|42|in|cm}} x {{Convert|18|in|cm}} × {{Convert|14|in|cm}} and is maintained by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
History
Shemanski petitioned the City Council to let him gift the fountain, which began operating on September 3, 1926. In 1987, the fountain's plumbing was repaired and a new base was poured as part of a renovation of the South Park Blocks.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Neighborhood%20AND%20to%20AND%20celebrate%20AND%20completion%20AND%20of%20AND%20South%20AND%20Park%20AND%20Blocks%20AND%20renovation%20AND%20work&s_dispstring=Neighborhood%20to%20celebrate%20completion%20of%20South%20Park%20Blocks%20renovation%20work%20AND%20date(1987)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1987&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Neighborhood to celebrate completion of South Park Blocks renovation work|date=November 30, 1987|first=Suzanne|last=Richards|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|edition=Fourth|page=B02|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035054/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Neighborhood%20AND%20to%20AND%20celebrate%20AND%20completion%20AND%20of%20AND%20South%20AND%20Park%20AND%20Blocks%20AND%20renovation%20AND%20work&s_dispstring=Neighborhood%20to%20celebrate%20completion%20of%20South%20Park%20Blocks%20renovation%20work%20AND%20date(1987)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1987&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} That same year, Logan and two other men—David L. Lipman and Jeff Wolfstone, grandson and great-grandson of Shemanski, respectively—approached the Portland Bureau of Parks and Recreation, advocating for the fountain's restoration. During the renovation process, the fountain was thoroughly cleaned, had missing pieces such as finials and urns replaced and chipped corners repaired, and was coated with a sealant to protect it from the elements and graffiti. In July 1988, the fountain re-opened following nearly a year of reconditioning. A dedication ceremony to mark the restoration was held on the afternoon of July 18. One park designer with the Park Bureau said, "the water will be turned on for the first time that anybody can remember." Lipman, Logan and Wolfstone attended the ceremony. Logan, aged 88, was the only surviving person who participated in the fountain's design and construction. The men offered funds for part of the renovation and the purchase of a bronze plaque that includes the original rendering done by Logan and describes the fountain's history and recent work. Costs for the plaque and renovation totaled $14,000.
File:Shemanski Fountain in Portland, Ore. (2013) - 2.jpg
The fountain and sculpture were surveyed by the Smithsonian's Save Outdoor Sculpture! program in 1993. Lee Lacey advocated for a 2004 restoration of the fountain; his lobbying efforts, among other accomplishments, earned him the Downtown Neighborhood Association's inaugural First Neighbor Award in 2005.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Harvey,%20AND%20Joan&s_dispstring=Harvey,%20Joan%20AND%20date(03/08/2009%20to%2003/08/2009)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=03/08/2009%20to%2003/08/2009)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=The dean of downtown|date=March 8, 2009|first=Joan|last=Harvey|edition=Sunrise|newspaper=The Oregonian|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|location=Portland, Oregon|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035557/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Harvey%2C%20AND%20Joan&s_dispstring=Harvey%2C%20Joan%20AND%20date%2803%2F08%2F2009%20to%2003%2F08%2F2009%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=03%2F08%2F2009%20to%2003%2F08%2F2009%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} The restoration was completed by conservator Marie Laibinis-Craft and Pioneer Waterproofing.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Fountain%20AND%20touch-up&s_dispstring=Fountain%20touch-up%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Fountain touch-up|date=November 11, 2004|first=Benjamin|last=Brink|edition=Sunrise|page=D02|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|newspaper=The Oregonian|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173423/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Fountain%20AND%20touch-up&s_dispstring=Fountain%20touch-up%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Fountain%20AND%20the%20AND%20image%20AND%20of%20AND%20its%20AND%20former%20AND%20self&s_dispstring=Fountain%20the%20image%20of%20its%20former%20self%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Fountain the image of its former self|date=May 10, 2006|first=Chatten|last=Hayes|edition=Sunrise|newspaper=The Oregonian|page=B02|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|location=Portland, Oregon|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173505/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Fountain%20AND%20the%20AND%20image%20AND%20of%20AND%20its%20AND%20former%20AND%20self&s_dispstring=Fountain%20the%20image%20of%20its%20former%20self%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} In 2008, The Oregonian reported that the fountain was "completely dry".{{Cite journal|url=http://djcoregon.com/dailyblog/2011/12/05/what-exactly-is-this-shemanski-people-want-to-occupy/|title=What exactly is this Shemanski people want to occupy?|access-date=August 1, 2013|date=December 5, 2011|first=Joe|last=Streckert|journal=Daily Journal of Commerce|location=Portland, Oregon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217094335/http://djcoregon.com/dailyblog/2011/12/05/what-exactly-is-this-shemanski-people-want-to-occupy/|archive-date=February 17, 2015|url-status=live}}
According to The Oregonian, the fountain and statue "commemorates kindness"; however it has been vandalized on several occasions.{{Cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2008/08/rebecca_is_having_tough_time_a.html|title=Rebecca is having tough time at 'well|access-date=August 1, 2013|work=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|date=August 6, 2008|first=Fran|last=Genovese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217084852/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2008/08/rebecca_is_having_tough_time_a.html|archive-date=February 17, 2015|url-status=live}} In 1988, three brass bowls were removed from the recently renovated fountain.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Metal%20AND%20thefts%20AND%20from%20AND%20public%20AND%20places%20AND%20increase&s_dispstring=Metal%20thefts%20from%20public%20places%20increase%20AND%20date(1988)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1988&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Metal thefts from public places increase|date=December 30, 1988|first=Suzanne|last=Richards|newspaper=The Oregonian|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|location=Portland, Oregon|edition=Fourth|page=B04|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035138/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Metal%20AND%20thefts%20AND%20from%20AND%20public%20AND%20places%20AND%20increase&s_dispstring=Metal%20thefts%20from%20public%20places%20increase%20AND%20date(1988)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=1988&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} In 2007, the statue of Rebecca was pushed off its base, resulting in nearly $10,000 in damage. In 2008, one of the fountain's three brass nozzles was stolen.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Neighborhood%20AND%20News%20AND%20Updates&s_dispstring=Neighborhood%20News%20Updates%20AND%20date(08/07/2008%20to%2008/07/2008)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=08/07/2008%20to%2008/07/2008)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Neighborhood News Updates|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|date=August 7, 2008|first=Michael|last=Bales|edition=Sunrise|page=6|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035021/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Neighborhood%20AND%20News%20AND%20Updates&s_dispstring=Neighborhood%20News%20Updates%20AND%20date%2808%2F07%2F2008%20to%2008%2F07%2F2008%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=08%2F07%2F2008%20to%2008%2F07%2F2008%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} In December 2011, when Occupy Portland protesters were camping at Shemanski Park, a cup of coffee was drawn on the statue using a marker or paint.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Man%20AND%20arrested%20AND%20at%20AND%20Occupy%20AND%20protest%20AND%20in%20AND%20park&s_dispstring=Man%20arrested%20at%20Occupy%20protest%20in%20park%20AND%20date(12/06/2011%20to%2012/06/2011)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=12/06/2011%20to%2012/06/2011)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Man arrested at Occupy protest in park|newspaper=The Oregonian|date=December 6, 2011|first=Noelle|last=Crombie|edition=Sunrise|location=Portland, Oregon|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035320/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Man%20AND%20arrested%20AND%20at%20AND%20Occupy%20AND%20protest%20AND%20in%20AND%20park&s_dispstring=Man%20arrested%20at%20Occupy%20protest%20in%20park%20AND%20date%2812%2F06%2F2011%20to%2012%2F06%2F2011%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=12%2F06%2F2011%20to%2012%2F06%2F2011%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}
The fountain has been used as a reference point for gatherings. In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, a peace shrine consisting of flowers, "scrawled words" and candles was erected at the fountain.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=We%20AND%20Do%20AND%20Need%20AND%20to%20AND%20Fight%20AND%20Back&s_dispstring=We%20Do%20Need%20to%20Fight%20Back%20AND%20date(09/22/2001%20to%2009/22/2001)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=09/22/2001%20to%2009/22/2001)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=We Do Need to Fight Back|date=September 22, 2001|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|page=C04|edition=Sunrise|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035047/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=We%20AND%20Do%20AND%20Need%20AND%20to%20AND%20Fight%20AND%20Back&s_dispstring=We%20Do%20Need%20to%20Fight%20Back%20AND%20date%2809%2F22%2F2001%20to%2009%2F22%2F2001%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=09%2F22%2F2001%20to%2009%2F22%2F2001%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} In 2003, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals displayed photographs of slaughterhouses next to those of Nazi extermination camps by the fountain.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Street%20AND%20Beat%20AND%20One%20AND%20Way%20AND%20to%20AND%20Drive%20AND%20a%20AND%20Point%20AND%20at%20AND%20City%20AND%20Hall&s_dispstring=Street%20Beat%20One%20Way%20to%20Drive%20a%20Point%20at%20City%20Hall%20AND%20date(08/12/2003%20to%2008/12/2003)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=08/12/2003%20to%2008/12/2003)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Street Beat One Way to Drive a Point at City Hall|date=August 12, 2003|first=Joseph|last=Rose|edition=Sunrise|page=B02|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon\url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035033/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Street%20AND%20Beat%20AND%20One%20AND%20Way%20AND%20to%20AND%20Drive%20AND%20a%20AND%20Point%20AND%20at%20AND%20City%20AND%20Hall&s_dispstring=Street%20Beat%20One%20Way%20to%20Drive%20a%20Point%20at%20City%20Hall%20AND%20date%2808%2F12%2F2003%20to%2008%2F12%2F2003%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=08%2F12%2F2003%20to%2008%2F12%2F2003%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=ANGELA%20AND%20CARA%20AND%20PANCRAZIO%20AND%20SHEMANSKI%20AND%20FOUNTAIN&s_dispstring=ANGELA%20CARA%20PANCRAZIO%20SHEMANSKI%20FOUNTAIN%20AND%20date(08/12/2003%20to%2008/12/2003)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=08/12/2003%20to%2008/12/2003)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Shemanski Fountain|first=Angela Cara|last=Pancrazio|edition=Sunrise|page=B02|date=August 12, 2003|location=Portland, Oregon|newspaper=The Oregonian|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035406/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=ANGELA%20AND%20CARA%20AND%20PANCRAZIO%20AND%20SHEMANSKI%20AND%20FOUNTAIN&s_dispstring=ANGELA%20CARA%20PANCRAZIO%20SHEMANSKI%20FOUNTAIN%20AND%20date%2808%2F12%2F2003%20to%2008%2F12%2F2003%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=08%2F12%2F2003%20to%2008%2F12%2F2003%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} In 2006, a PDX AIDS Day Promise Vigil was held in conjunction with World AIDS Day at the site.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Events%20AND%20in%20AND%20Oregon%20AND%20to%20AND%20mark%20AND%20World%20AND%20AIDS%20AND%20Day&s_dispstring=Events%20in%20Oregon%20to%20mark%20World%20AIDS%20Day%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Events in Oregon to mark World AIDS Day|date=December 1, 2006|newspaper=The Oregonian|first=Patrick|last=O'Neill|edition=Sunrise|page=B04|location=Portland, Oregon|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035203/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Events%20AND%20in%20AND%20Oregon%20AND%20to%20AND%20mark%20AND%20World%20AND%20AIDS%20AND%20Day&s_dispstring=Events%20in%20Oregon%20to%20mark%20World%20AIDS%20Day%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}} In 2010, 600 Catholic women and their supporters gathered at the site for the first "One Spirit{{spaced ndash}}One Call" event, which brought focus to their role within the Church. Shemanski Fountain was chosen at the gathering site for its depiction of Rebecca.{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Catholic%20AND%20women%20AND%20will%20AND%20focus%20AND%20on%20AND%20role%20AND%20in%20AND%20church&s_dispstring=Catholic%20women%20will%20focus%20on%20role%20in%20church%20AND%20date(2011)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2011&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Catholic women will focus on role in church Catholic women and their supporters will gather Sunday morning in downtown Portland for what organizers are calling a "prayerful public witness" in support of the leadership and talent they say is untapped|date=September 22, 2011|newspaper=The Oregonian|edition=Sunrise|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|first=Nancy|last=Haught|location=Portland, Oregon|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035253/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Catholic%20AND%20women%20AND%20will%20AND%20focus%20AND%20on%20AND%20role%20AND%20in%20AND%20church&s_dispstring=Catholic%20women%20will%20focus%20on%20role%20in%20church%20AND%20date(2011)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2011&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}
The fountain was boarded up in 2024. Plywood is fitted into the arches. The statute is no longer visible.
Reception
AOL Travel said that Rebecca is depicted "with motion and grace". Shemanski Fountain has been included in public art guides and walking tours of fountains in downtown Portland.{{Cite web|url=http://culturaloregon.com/fountains-of-portland-walking-tour/|title=Fountains of Portland Walking Tour and More!|access-date=August 1, 2013|publisher=Cultural Oregon|date=August 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217090259/http://culturaloregon.com/fountains-of-portland-walking-tour/|archive-date=February 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.redlionontheriver.com/things-to-do/turn-on-the-waterworks.htm|title=Portland Fountain Walking Tour|publisher=Red Lion Hotels Corporation|access-date=August 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806114421/http://www.redlionontheriver.com/things-to-do/turn-on-the-waterworks.htm|archive-date=August 6, 2013|url-status=live}} In 1988, The Oregonian{{'s}} Suzanne Richards referred to Shemanski Fountain as "one of the city's favorite fountains". In 2006, Bonnie Darves of The Oregonian included the fountain in her walking tour of Portland landmarks, and said it is "worth getting wet for".{{Cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Worth%20AND%20getting%20AND%20wet%20AND%20for&s_dispstring=Worth%20getting%20wet%20for%20AND%20date(02/24/2006%20to%2002/24/2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=02/24/2006%20to%2002/24/2006)&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no|title=Worth getting wet for|first=Bonnie|last=Daves|date=February 24, 2006|newspaper=The Oregonian|location=Portland, Oregon|edition=Sunrise|page=DM03|publisher=Oregonian Publishing Co.|url-access=subscription|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035429/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=OR&p_theme=or&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_text_search-0=Worth%20AND%20getting%20AND%20wet%20AND%20for&s_dispstring=Worth%20getting%20wet%20for%20AND%20date%2802%2F24%2F2006%20to%2002%2F24%2F2006%29&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date%3AB%2CE&p_text_date-0=02%2F24%2F2006%20to%2002%2F24%2F2006%29&xcal_numdocs=50&p_perpage=25&p_sort=YMD_date%3AD&xcal_useweights=no|archive-date=May 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{closed access}}
See also
{{Portal|Oregon|Visual arts}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Shemanski Fountain}}
- [https://publicartarchive.org/art/Rebecca-at-the-Well-Shemanski-Fountain/2b5b368d "Rebecca at the Well (Shemanski Fountain)"] at the Public Art Archive
- {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20130801182128/http://www.emporis.com/building/rebecca-at-the-well-shemanski-fountain-portland-or-usa "Rebecca at the Well/Shemanski Fountain"]}} at Emporis
{{Fountains in Portland, Oregon}}
{{Public art in Portland, Oregon}}
{{South Park Blocks}}
Category:1926 establishments in Oregon
Category:1928 establishments in Oregon
Category:Bronze sculptures in Portland, Oregon
Category:Carl L. Linde buildings
Category:Drinking fountains in Oregon
Category:Fountains in Portland, Oregon
Category:Outdoor sculptures in Southwest Portland, Oregon
Category:Sandstone sculptures in the United States
Category:Sculptures of Hebrew Bible people
Category:Sculptures of women in Oregon
Category:Statues in Portland, Oregon
Category:Statues of women in the United States