A Place of Invention

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, May 15, 2008

1. A Place of Invention Marker

Inscription. This fountain was installed during the creation of Mount Vernon Place so that those wealthy enough to own wooden teeth could rinse and wash them in the park. These teeth cleaners were common all over America in the 1800s. At the time, it was thought to be hygienic to rinse your fake teeth at least once a month. It also provided an opportunity for those fortunate few to flaunt their material wealth. Thanks to dental improvements in the late 1800s, people no longer needed to clean their teeth in the fountains and the fountains became drinking fountains. This, of course, is the invention of the first water fountain. After visiting the park in 1852, President Millard Fillmore had water fountains installed in the White House.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #13 Millard Fillmore series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 17.851′ N, 76° 36.984′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Mount Vernon. Marker could be reached from West Mount Vernon Place, in the median. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Baltimore MD 21201, United States of America.

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this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Garrett Jacobs Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Murnaghan House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hackerman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Severn Building (within shouting distance of this marker); To George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafayette Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Revival (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Additional commentary.
1. Beyond the Compass, Beyond the Square: Mapping History
This "historical marker" was one of seven installed by Maryland Institute College of Art sophomore Daniel Allende as part of the 2008 exhibit Beyond the Compass, Beyond the Square. While marker text has some basis in truth, exaggerations become quickly apparent when one takes the

The marker and fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, May 15, 2008

2. The marker and fountain

time to read the text. In addition to the insight the marker provides about the history of Mount Vernon Square, it also helps to illustrate how often historical markers are taken for granted, almost unseen, and how they could say most anything, yet still be unnoticed.

— Submitted June 4, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,658 times since then and 27 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week February 23, 2020. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.