CINCINNATI

 Interesting note:  I read where prior to 1871, what we now call Fountain Square, was an open air market.  It was dotted with stands manned by butchers and farmers.  

Henry Probasco was a hardware magnate (a rich man who made his money selling nuts and bolts) about whom I have written before (2/26/2017).  He traveled to Europe and commissioned craftsmen there to make the beautiful fountain that now graces our square.  He named it after his brother-in-law and business partner, Tyler Davidson.  

Here's the point I left out of my original entry.  Probasco's gift was contingent upon the City of Cincinnati agreeing to maintain the square as an open air market - which technically it hasn't been for many years.  But, to adhere to that element of the gift, the city arranged to a vendor sell flowers there with a small stand and, one day a year, the mayor would make a ceremonial visit to buy some posies.   How quaint!

If you think that's the end of the story, it's not.  Since 2006, when the Square underwent a renovation, the flower stand has been removed from sight and sits in storage.   They say, no flower vendor can be found to operate it.  This is a disgrace!  A scandal!   Bring back the flower stand!  Let us smell the roses!

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