Lotta Fountain

The Lotta Fountain is located about halfway between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets, on the Storrow Drive side of the lagoon.

Generations of canine visitors to Boston’s Charles River Esplanade once headed straight for the Lotta Fountain—and generations of dog owners were grateful for the resource. The six-foot granite fountain by sculptor Katherine Lane Weems (1899-1989) was constructed in 1939 in the name of entertainer and philanthropist Lotta Crabtree, for the benefit of thirsty dogs. A victim of diminished resources, the memorial has not functioned as a fountain for many years.

The Lotta fountain was named for its benefactor, Charlotte “Lotta” Crabtree, a beloved child star—the Shirley Temple of her day—Broadway performer, and passionate animal lover. Born in 1847, Lotta and her mother amassed a fortune in real estate, buying up property in the cities they visited during Lotta’s thespian tours of duty. The second largest taxpayer in Boston at the time of her death in 1924, Lotta Crabtree left $4 million in trusts for several needy causes including the Lotta Dumb Animal Fund. In 1939 the trustees carried out a provision in the will to erect a drinking fountain in Boston for “men, horses, birds, and dogs,” choosing an Esplanade site near Embankment Road. 

Today the Lotta Fountain is in need of major repairs.  The fountain is nonoperational and the granite blocks, benches and sculptures which sit atop the fountain are in need of repair.  There are two granite sculptures on the fountain done by Katherine Lane Weems, an important local sculptor.  The first is a dog which sits on top of the fountain which is modeled after Weems own pet.  The dog looks down the granite pedestal to the second sculpture at the base, a granite cat spout.  This spout no longer delivers water into the fountain’s basin.  The cat is missing half of its face and the dog has lost part of an ear. The Esplanade Association seeks to refurbish the granite and repair the waterworks so that canine visitors to the Esplanade once again can enjoy the fountain, and pets and people alike can find refreshment on a hot summer’s day.

Project News

On October 22nd, TEA hosted its first “Canine Promenade,” in partnership with Pawsh Dog Boutique, to highlight the Esplanade as a resource for dog owners and to raise awareness of the park's needs, including the historic Lotta Fountain.

Join this Effort

The Esplanade Association must raise at least $200,000 to restore the beauty and utility of the fountain—a tribute to two remarkable women. Help the restoration by clicking here. Or contact Megan Sampson, Development Manager at 617-227-0365 or msampson@esplanadeassociation.org for more information on how you can be involved.

 

Photo - Header ©2003 Jeryl Oristaglio, (1) Jeryl Oristaglio

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The Esplanade Association
376 Boylston Street, Suite 503
Boston, MA 02116
617.227.0365