After decades of being used as a planter for flowers, the water fountain built by the Civilian Conservation Corps once again spouted water from its tower. And, just in time for the Westmoreland State Park on June 18, 2011.
Westmoreland CCC Fountain before restoration
Saturday morning, staff, visitors and honored guests gathered around the fountain for the dedication, Tayloe Murphy, former Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources, and life time resident of Congressman Rob Wittman, also a Westmoreland County native, commented on the dedication of the park staff and how they had helped to make this place so special for everyone that visits. Both Mr. Murphy and Congressman Wittman stated how important Westmoreland State Park is to the community.
Tayloe Murphy remembers when the parks was in it's early years
Congressman Rob Wittman shares his thoughts of Westmoreland State Park
It was through the commitment of the Friends of Westmoreland, park staff and volunteers that the project was completed. Stone mason, Earl Jenkins repaired the fountain with area stone that had been stocked piled by the CCC. The water works and lining was restored by Josh Barnett.
Westmoreland "Friends" Brian and Pete Dyer present Mr. Murphy and Congressman Wittman with a 75th Anniversary Commemorative coin.
The Friends of Westmoreland State Park received a $500 grant from the Garden Club of the Northern Neck for a beautification project. Plans are being developed to plant native species in the area around the fountain to enhance the natural beauty of the old stone work. Helen and Tayloe Murphy made a private contribution of $500 to the project.
CCC Fountain restored and running!
If you would like to be part of this historical conservation effort please call (804)493-8821 or email [email protected]
To learn more aboutwebsite here.
Come on out and see this historic fountain atWestmoreland State Park! It is locatednear the Potomac River, this park is six miles northwest of Montross and just off Route 3.
Drive Time:Northern Virginia and Washington D. C., two hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half hours; Roanoke, five and a half hours.Click herefor a Google Map.
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