APOG Emmeline The Bear Maintenance

Steps Being Taken to Address Fountain Damage 

The Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG) is working closely with the Village of Geneseo in response to the severe damage to the iconic Emmeline Wadsworth Memorial Fountain that has graced Geneseo’s Main Street since 1887.

This morning, April 7, APOG arranged for Moorland Studios, a New Jersey firm specializing in custom sculpture conservation, to visit Geneseo on Saturday the 16th to assess the damage.  The firm will help determine repair and reconstruction concepts.  Moorland Studios quickly advised that all pieces of the fountain, no matter how small, need to be collected and saved.  This information was conveyed to the Village crews, as these pieces may aid in restoration efforts. 

Moorland Studios was hired by APOG in 2010 to research, design, fabricate, and install a replica gothic lantern held by the Bronze Bear as seen in recent photos of the fountain.  The 2010 restoration project replaced a plastic lantern that was not historically accurate.  During this project, APOG also coordinated repairs to the sandstone base, metal spigots, and other damaged features.  

As part of the 2010 restoration efforts, APOG contracted with Direct Dimensions, a digital design firm, to create a complete 3D image of the fountain, bear and lantern.  This highly technical service was performed by the organization to create a complete record of this iconic Geneseo feature.  The organization will make this imaging available to the Village to assist in restoration efforts.

Since 2010, APOG has maintained a dedicated fund to provide for the maintenance and restoration of the fountain.  Anyone wishing to assist in these efforts may make a contribution to APOG with by sending a check with ‘fountain’ in the memo line to PO Box 294, Geneseo, NY 14454.

Call [phone redacted] for more information