The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-01
THE BETHESDA FOUNTAIN.

InaUg UrattOn Of the Bethesda Fountain
in Central Park interchangeable Cere-
monial and - Quiet Display Of the
Great Attraction of the Park-A De-
scriptfon of the Fountain.
Without ceremony, without even any spoken
words OF Introduction by Commissioner and
with simplicity that it was not possible to atten-
uate, the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park was
yesterday afternoon presented 10 the people by
the Department OF Parks, in the hope that it would
be regarded as thing OF beauty and JOY forever.
Precisely at three O'Clock the strains OF Mr. Dod
worth's band were heard, ana then the
engineers OF the Croton Water Department
sent forth the spray Of water upon the
feet Of the angel, and the fountain was
numbered from that moment by those who saw
its inauguration as probably the chief attraction
OF the Park. There was cheering, enthu-
siasm, no expressions OF wonderment or delight
on the part OF the many thousands who lined the
terraces and the green swards, or who reclined in
sheltered hooks, shaded from the rays Of the sun by
the outrageous foliage Of the Overhanging trees.
The spectators were mostly German citizens, with
scattering OF the water into the basln
nenty characteristic They were evidently proud
Of the works Of their Fatherland and were prOfuse
the SSmP Miss Emma ssspo designer wnen
tired OF their promenadng around the
fountain and'expatlating upon Its beauties many
Of the spectators sauntered towards the Terrace
restaurant and part00k, with their wives and
children, Of ice cream Rhine wine and beer. Thus
with the beautiful, and there appeared to be no
trace of sorrow on any countenance only that
The chic Incompatible Central Park Band greatly
contributed to the scene OF pleasure and to the de-
light OF the thousands who had assembled around
the fountain. In consequence OF the formation OF
new walks around the pand stand in the Mall
temporary platform, stretching short distance
from thno 1n aa lokn
OF the. fountain, and there the band played
| through part OF the programme This arrange
| lake boating. and after half the programme had
| been executed the band left the lake and took
up position at the loot OF the Terrace. BY this
arrangement q much larger audience was re-
cured, and the promenade around the lake and the
taking passage in the boats could go on uninter-
| ruptedly. The day was exceedingly pleasant,
gentle breeze cooled the air, and every part OF the
Park was pleasant enough for temporary sojourn.
The number Of spectators present was lar below
what was expected, and the absence OF ceremonial
was evidently disappointing to the people geper-
ally. me result OF TINS was mat an me other At
concentration OF crowds around the fountain did
not in consequence, produce any inconvenience to
The upper portion OF the fountain is entirely
OF bronze, and was modelled by Miss Stebbins dur
ing 1S64-6-7 1t arrived here July 2, 1871. The
mission was given October 10, 1868. The fountain
! takes It's name from the fve-porched pool OF
Bethesda mentioned in. st. john The lowering
angel is eight feet high the upper basin ten feet in
| diameter. The group OF small figures, each four
| feet high, represent Health, Temperance. Purity
and Peace. The fountain is one OF the most exQui
site ornaments OF the Park, and Miss Stebbins, the
| commissioners and the public are to be equally
| items may at this time prove interesting
Paid Miss stebbns for design and models, 5000
Herr Won Muller for castings, e. 'i2a2
Ames Manuiacturin Complain Tor bronze work. 10
Composite Iron Company for bronze work...... s,72s
Biseow Blue Stone Company nS' III