Elk (sculpture)

Elk, also known as the David P. Thompson Fountain,[1] David P. Thompson Monument,[2] Elk Fountain, or the Thompson Elk,[3] is an historic outdoor fountain and bronze sculpture by American artist Roland Hinton Perry. The sculpture was donated to the city of Portland, Oregon, United States in 1900. It is located in the Plaza Blocks in downtown Portland.

Elk
The sculpture in 2006
ArtistRoland Hinton Perry
Year1900 (1900)
TypeSculpture
SubjectElk
LocationPortland, Oregon, United States
Coordinates45.515721°N 122.677485°W / 45.515721; -122.677485

Description and history
The fountain depicted in a 1906 postcard

The Elk is located at Southwest Main between 3rd and 4th Avenues, between Chapman Square and Lownsdale Square in Portland's Plaza Blocks. It was donated by former Portland mayor David P. Thompson in 1900 to commemorate the elk that once lived in the area.[3]

The project was completed within a budget of $20,000 under the direction of designer E.G. Wright. Constructed of Barre Granite, the fountain design specified a 25 feet (7.6 m) diameter and 8 feet (2.4 m) high base.[4] Wright had planned to complete the monument in time for a Fourth of July dedication to coincide with a city street carnival, but delays from removing nearby trees, widening Main Street, and connecting city water pipe forced Wright to delay completion of the monument. The 6,800-pound (3,100 kg) Elk was lifted into position in late August, and the Thompson Fountain was finished the first week of September 1900.[5] A carnival sponsored by the Portland Elks Club began that week, and The Oregonian informed its readers, "this is not a carnival elk."[6] According to the city, the Exalted Order of Elks refused to dedicate it because they considered the statue "a monstrosity of art."[7]

The fountain and sculpture have been designated a Portland Historic Landmark by the city's Historic Landmarks Commission, under the name David P. Thompson Fountain.[1]

See also

References
  1. Portland Historic Landmarks Commission (July 2010), Historic Landmarks -- Portland, Oregon (XLS), retrieved May 8, 2016.
  2. "Elk, (sculpture)". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  3. "Fountains in Parks: SW Portland". City of Portland, Oregon. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  4. "D.P. Thompson's Gift to Portland". The Oregonian. Portland: Henry Pittock. January 1, 1900. p. 23. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  5. "Boys Can't Keep Away". The Oregonian. Portland: Henry Pittock. September 5, 1900. p. 8. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  6. "This Is not a Carnival Elk". The Oregonian. Portland: Henry Pittock. August 20, 1900. p. 5. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  7. Portland Parks & Recreation: Lownsdale Square
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