A Remembered Horse

In 1896, the family of the late Dr. H. Twaddell donated a fountain for "dumb animals" here at 45th & Baltimore (the end of my block). It bore the sculpture of a horse's head, based on the doctor's favorite horse. By 1899, the horse was badly disfigured because local boys used it as a target for throwing stones. The Twaddell property was on the west side of 45th, between Baltimore and Larchwood Avenues, where you see the houses on the left side of my picture.  There were other troughs along the main streets in those days.  Also, I was surprised to learn of a fairly elaborate fountain in the neighborhood made of granite and bronze, with a slightly-draped woman, at whose feet were four dragons, and two heads-of-Neptune looking on. The basin was 15 feet in diameter.


"Memorial Fountain Disfigured by Vandals." The North American (Philadelphia), Tuesday, August 22, 1899; pg. 3. "Beautiful Fountains Ruined by Neglect." The North American (Philadelphia), Tuesday, July 18, 1899; pg. 3.