The Simsbury Historical Society

The historic White Memorial Fountain is located in the Weatogue section of Simsbury, Conn. on Hopmeadow Street (Route 10), opposite Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar. It’s situated on a small parcel of land donated by the Pettibone family, descendants of the original owners of the former Pettibone Tavern where Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar is housed.

The fountain was dedicated in 1892 to the memory of Dr. Roderick White who died in 1887. For five decades, White served as a physician in Simsbury and educated his patients about disease and prevention. His widow, Elizabeth Hungerford White, left instructions in her will that a water fountain be constructed in her husband’s honor. Originally fed with water from a spring a mile away, it is connected to public utilities for water and electricity.

The Simsbury Historical Society was entrusted to care for the White Memorial Fountain in 1989. From June 2024 to June 2025, due to unforeseen costly piping and valve repairs plus emergency tree work, the Simsbury Historical Society incurred more than $10,000 in fountain expenses, depleting the White Memorial Fountain Fund.

There's still more to do to preserve this historic fountain. Natural and manmade factors, like car exhaust from nearby Hopmeadow Street, deteriorate the fountain if it is not sealed properly every year or two. Small cracks in the lower basin require attention. The lower basin and all upper tiers should be professionally sealed immediately to prevent leaks and further damage.

Without an additional $4000 in funding, the fountain sadly may need to be shut down for the remainder of 2025, and possibly, permanently. Help the Simsbury Historical Society preserve the White Memorial Fountain and keep its waters flowing. Please consider donating today to the White Memorial Fountain Fund, c/o the Simsbury Historical Society, trustee.