The Graded School Fountain

The Graded School Fountain. Town of Bennington. , This ornate Victorian fountain graced the entrance to the Bennington Graded School from 1875 until the building was razed in 1954. It symbolized the essence of a school system considered the best in the State and a building of "elegance of architectural design and surroundings, such as would tend to cultivate the aesthetic taste of the pupils." The history of the fountain with the history of the graded school., In 1874, the school was erected on three acres in the area extending from School Street to Park Street. The plans for "the finest public school building in the State" were drawn by M.F. Cummings of Troy, New York and included running water in every classroom, gas lighting and a ventilation system throughout. This most modern of school buildings opened its doors on January 1, 1875 to students from primary through high school., Not only was the Renaissance style building a showplace but the grounds surrounding the school were of equal importance. Ornamental trees were set out at suitable points giving beauty to the spacious playgrounds. Major Alonzo Valentine, a wealthy mill owner, donated this large cast iron fountain which graced the front yard and added to the beauty at the surroundings. Its whimsical nature was appropriate for a school setting. Fountains of this type were common in the late 19th Century and adorned many houses and public areas in Bennington., In 1954 when the Graded School was razed to build Bennington Elementary School, one of the construction workers, Milton Surdam rescued the fountain from the wrecking ball. Mr. Surdam had attended the school as a youth and had fond memories of the fountain. The fountain graced Milton's property for many years and was enjoyed by his family until his death. In 2007, the Surdam Family approached the Bennington Rotary Club with the idea of restoring the fountain as the last remaining symbol of Bennington's history as the "Town of Fountains." The club eagerly accepted the challenge and under the leadership of club member Jerry Albert and the Fountain Restoration Committee, the restoration, site placement and design, and fundraising were completed. In an official ceremony on May 27, 2010, the fountain was unveiled and presented to the Town of Bennington by the Surdam Family and the Bennington Rotary Club.