It's Back! After almost 2 years of renovations(because of this the original cache was archived). This iconic location has been opened up to the public to visit once again. For those that may not have ever visited before, this monument has been in need of desperate renovation. Many thanks to those that made this possible.
This is one of 3 structures,in this area, still existing from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The others being the Ohio House and Memorial Hall(the new home of the Please Touch Museum). Commonly called the “Moses ’Fountain” by most Philadelphians who know of this hidden gem because of its colossal statue of Moses that stands in the middle of the Fountain, its proper title is the “Catholic Total Abstinence Fountain” Created entirely out of marble and granite, the statue was designed and carved by Herman Kirn, who was a young Philadelphia sculptor.
In the center of the fountain is a large mass of rocks, Standing atop these rocks is Moses. The four statues at the corners are:
First is Charles Carroll of Carrollton who was one of the oldest surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence; he advocated the cause of independence and assisted in the formation of the Constitution. Second is Reverend Theobald Matthew ordained a priest in 1814 he began to preach in earnest the ideas of total abstinence and his efforts resulted in positive results in the city and our young nation. Third is Archbishop John Carroll, was a major contributor to the efforts of the American War for Independence who closely with Benjamin Franklin and was the first Roman Catholic Bishop of the United States. The final figure is that of Commodore John Barry, the first commodore of the American Navy. Barry was trusted and revered for his strong leadership and faith in God.
During certain times, this area is heavily traveled by vehicles and pedestrians. Please do not park on the curb line of the monument.