Wednesday, March 3, 2010

ABC Wednesdays - G for Gardner's Memorial

This drinking fountain was built in 1887 in memory of John Gardner, a firefighter, who lost his life in a blaze in a Rundle Street shop on Christmas Eve in 1886. The funds for the memorial were raised from public donations.

Another firefighter, Albert Clark, also lost his life in the fire. He is buried at North Road Cemetery in Nailsworth, with a simple gravestone to remember him by.


The ABC Wednesday meme was initiated by Denise Nesbitt. To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions click here.

10 comments:

Stan Ski said...

May they both rest in peace.

Bradley Hsi said...

I wonder is the fountain is still in working condition after so many years, as people must still remember these brave man.

Roger Owen Green said...

I wonder why Gardener got the more ornate burial, while Clark's was simpler.
Mice photo.

On behalf of the ABC Wednesday team, thank you! - Ramblin' with Roger

Gordon said...

Grace & Bradley - the fountain is still working; I had to wait for someone to finish drinking to take the photo.

Roger - It was the Clark family's wish that he have a private funeral and tombstone.

Jay said...

What a shame it is that this custom has fallen into disuse. I used drinking fountains as a child (and didn't die from any horrible communicable disease) but they have been ripped out all over the place.

More to the point, even as a child, I used to read the inscriptions and wonder about the men and women immortalised and commemorated there. It's a great way to keep their names alive.

Donna said...

Oh how Sad yet filled with beauty!! Nice shot!!
hughugs

photowannabe said...

A lovely memorial and tribute to lives lost in a tragic fire. Perfect post for G.

Tumblewords: said...

A nice memorial, for sure. The color and shadowing are wonderful.

Ashes said...

The Monument and drinking fountain have been refurbished this year as part of the 150th celebrations of the Metropolitan Fire Service, so it is very much looked after again.

Ashes

Ashes said...

The monument and drinking fountain have been refurbished as part of the 150th celebrations of the SA Metropolitan Fire Service. It will be reopened this month and it is fully functional.

Ashes