Originally, it was actually a watering trough for horses during the 19th century. Can you imagine horses sipping water from this fancy granite dome and bluestone basin? Though it may sound a little horsing around, this place used to hydrate the city's four-legged friends.
The Cherry Hill Fountain consists of a spacious 20-foot diameter basin decked out with beautiful Minton tiles. And to add a touch of elegance to the mix, there's a sparkling finial featuring eight frosted round glass lamps and a golden spire. Talk about a fountain that knows how to shine!
Now, here's an interesting twist: the fountain's finial, the fancy part at the top, was actually added much later in 1981. It seems like they couldn't resist giving this beauty an extra sprinkle of charm.
Thanks to the generous donations from Elizabeth and Clement Moore, the Central Park Conservancy was able to restore the fountain to working condition in 1998. It's now flowing and refreshing visitors like you, taking us all back to a time when horses ruled the streets.
Oh, and here's a fun fact: many people mistake this fountain for the one used in the opening theme of the television show Friends. But let me assure you, my friend, that one is all the way in sunny Burbank, California, on the Warner Bros. Ranch Lot. We're lucky enough to have this iconic Cherry Hill Fountain right here in Manhattan!
So, let's raise a cup, or a hand, or maybe just enjoy the view, shall we? The Cherry Hill Fountain invites you to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Central Park and all its captivating history. Trust me, you won't want to miss this refreshing oasis on your Central Park adventure!
