Where in the Hudson Valley…?
There’s nothing more relaxing than to rest on a park bench on a warm summer day, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds, children playing, and the gurgling of a fountain. We’re lucky to have such a haven in the form of the Soldiers Memorial Fountain in Poughkeepsie. The spraying sculpture, which sits in the center of a triangular flower bed near Eastman Park and commemorates local servicemen lost in the Civil War, was first flagged by Kathy Cady of Hyde Park. We tip our hats to the Dutchess County Historical Society for providing us with information about this historic bubbler. Trailblazers, this next one’s for you: Trek to our next quiz to see one of the Valley’s most hair-raising hiking spots.
As a small child, I have fond memories of my dad pointing out this landmark as we rode past it. Thank you for refreshing that time of my life.
Carol Doreo
Hyde Park
There is also another fountain like it in a small town in Indiana — the name escapes me right now.
Antonia Houston
Hopewell Junction
We think you mean the fountain in Madison, Ind., whose ornamental maiden, tritons, and reflecting pools attract thousands of visitors each year. Dubbed the Broadway Fountain, it suffered extensive damage over the years until it was finally recast entirely in bronze in 1976.
The fountain is across the street from the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater office. I remember when it was lit with colored lights.
Elizabeth Partridge
Poughkeepsie
I pass this beautiful fountain twice a day to and from my job.
Cheryl Benoit
New Paltz
When I was a young girl, it was a great night when you drove down to the fountain and it was illuminated with multiple-colored lights. What a sight to behold. Afterward we were sure to go to Riverview Field for Joe’s Pizza.
Cyndy Anson
Poughkeepsie
Camper Conundrum Continues
Last month, we received a query about a strange camper situated off I-84 westbound, near Grape Hollow Road in Dutchess County. While we think we’ve found the answer to how it got there, we may have uncovered an entirely new mystery. Read on:
The trailer in question is not a camper — it’s an old house trailer. When Rte. 84 was built they had to change the way Grape Hollow Road went. The trailer became landlocked. I loved seeing that red car on the rock everyday and was happy it was repainted when it started to fade. Recently, someone painted over the car with gray paint. Why would someone do that?
Linda Booth
Via E-mail
In the July 2009 Mailbox, a letter from Ann Valentino of Fishkill makes reference to “the rock with the red car painted on it.” I have loved seeing that cute little car while driving west on Rte. 84 — it always brought a smile to my face. Alas! I noticed a few weeks ago that someone has covered up that painting with a swath of gray paint. Does anyone know why it was painted over? Another of life’s little pleasures taken away!
Linda Gray
Hopewell Junction
