A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Baker Fireman’s Fountain on Wednesday to signal the continuation of work on the project, which is in its final stages. The 104-year-old fountain is currently undergoing restoration at Robinson Iron in Alexander City, Alabama and is 80 percent complete at this time, according to Patrick Gavin, an Owego hose team member that is helping to head up the project.
On site on Wednesday were members from the community, several local officials, and members of the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation, who provided grant dollars to assist in the project. Also at the ceremony were descendants of the Baker family.
Of those descendants were Judy (Baker) Hartman, Dale (Baker) Williams, and Steve Baker. The Gavin’s are also a descendant through their grandmother, Sandra Pianosi.
Hartman and Williams talked of Baker, explaining that both George H. Baker and his dad, Frank, were fire chiefs in Owego. The statue was built in honor and remembrance of George, who was killed in an accident in 1913.
As for their descendants, Hartman explained that their great grandfather and grandfather had ice and spring water companies in Owego; the ice company was located on Cove Street, and the foundation for the spring water can still be found over on North Avenue, and near the Kwik Fill.
Also at the groundbreaking was a representative from Allstate, who came to present a $5,000 contribution to the project through the Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grant.
“I’ve been very impressed with the hose team for taking this important project on and bringing it to conclusion,” said Eric Nichols, an Allstate agent who submitted the grant request for consideration. He added, “Allstate is very proud to be part of this historic undertaking.”
Other Allstate agents supporting the funding request were Charles Hammond, Aaron Lounsbury, Benedict Diaz, Ernest Landers, Gary Stoneberg, and Jon Taylor.
As for the work resuming on the project, Gavin stated that they hope to have things completed in time for this year’s Strawberry Festival, planned for June 14 and 15 in Owego. A dedication ceremony will take place near the end of August 2019.
Excavation work was to be completed last week by John Chandler of J.O.C. Construction. Once the excavation is complete, according to Gavin, Seamus Cerretani of SDC Concrete will pour a new concrete foundation and fountain pool. Roy Legursky of Legursky & Sons is supplying plumbing and electric services that include lighting and a new pump.
Gavin explained that once the base is poured the restored fountain will return and be installed by Robinson Iron. Stamped concrete in the shape of a Maltese Cross surrounding the fountain will honor Owego’s five Fallen Firefighters, and will be constructed by Justin Hulslander of Hulslander Concrete. Charlie Munroe of Good Earth Landscaping will place a “Memorial Brick Walkway”.
Fundraising for the project continues with the Owego Hose Team Memorial Golf Tournament set for June 1 at the Tioga Golf Club. Registration and sponsorships are available at www.OwegoHoseTeams.com. Memorial bricks continue to be sold and can be purchased on the hose team website as well.
For more information, visit www.OwegoHoseTeams.com.
Such a privilege to have attended the ceremony and speak with the Baker family members.