Benson Bubbler - Enterprise, Oregon
Posted by: 
Volcanoguy
N 45° 25.531 W 117° 16.722
11T E 478197 N 5030259
This history sign is located on building near the Benson Bubbler at the SE corner of Main St. and SW 1st St.
Waymark Code: WM939R
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 06/21/2010
Views: 2
Marker Name: Benson Bubbler
Marker Text: This drinking fountain, fondly known as a “Benson Bubbler”, is one of only a few such historic bubblers located outside the City of Portland, Oregon.
Simon Benson (1851 - 1942), a Portland lumber baron, philanthropist and temperance advocate, donated $10,000 to the City of Portland in 1912 for the purchase of 20 bronze drinking fountains, thereby providing employees with an alternative to drinking alcoholic beverages during working hours. It is said that once the “Benson Bubblers” were installed, saloon sales decreased by 40%.
We gratefully acknowledge the Enterprise Merchants Association, the Cities of Enterprise and Portland, and the Rotary Club of Wallowa County for helping bring this fountain to our town.
Fountain in memory of Lawrence Evans by Nancy and Children Linda, Byron, Duane, Vince.
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