Ridgely in Caroline County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Drinking Fountain
Erected by the Forget-Me-Not Band of Mercy, 1915
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 3, 2022
A century ago, before the widespread use of gasoline-powered trucks, hundreds of horses and mules pulled heavy wagons loaded with farm products to Ridgely, a major agricultural center for the processing and shipping of fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products.
The plight of these wagon animals, especially their need for drinking water, aroused the sympathy of the young women and girls of the community, who in April 1914 created the "Forget-me-not Band of Mercy" to purchase a large multi-user drinking fountain.
April 15, 1914 - a much needed improvement in Ridgely is a public drinking trough. Strangers passing through town are compelled to get water from back yards and other private places for their horses. Automobilists also find it difficult to locate water for their "horses".
Since organizing on April 28, 1914, our efforts have been directed principally toward getting this fountain for the town. The "Forget-Me-Not" Band of Mercy, in charge of Alice Pendleton and Irene Neff, and kindly assisted by Mrs. L.M. Pearsaul, will hold a carnival in the near future.
The carnival will be held on the evening of July 2nd, 1914. The grounds will be brilliantly lit with electric lights. There will be booths of all kinds, a country store, a fish pond where real fish live. Come and have your fortune told by a famous gypsy. Automobiles going for 5 cents a ride.
On May 15th, 1915, the dedication of the cast-iron fountain drew a large crowd that listened to speeches, then sang "Maryland, My Maryland" accompanied by the Ridgely Band. As the ceremony closed, an old horse "General" was the first to drink. Everyone cheered.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work • Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1914.
Location. 38° 56.858′ N, 75° 53.088′ W. Marker is in Ridgely, Maryland, in Caroline County. Marker is on West Belle Street west of Central Avenue (Maryland Route 312), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 W Belle St, Ridgely MD 21660, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ridgely Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Saulsbury House - Fifer Hospital - Ridgely House (within shouting distance of this marker); Town of Ridgely Flag (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ridgely Railroad Station (about 300 feet away); Ridgely, MD 1888 - 1917
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 3, 2022
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 231 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.