All Of It with Alison Stewart – "Fabulous Fountains of New York"

Podcast: All Of It, WNYC
Host: Alison Stewart
Date: September 5, 2025
Guests:

• Stephanie Azzarone (Author)
• Robert Rodriguez (Photographer)

Overview

This lively episode dips into New York City’s rich aquatic heritage through the lens of the new book Fabulous Fountains of New York by Stephanie Azzarone and Robert Rodriguez (married for over 40 years). The episode explores iconic and overlooked fountains, their art and architecture, and their roles in city life—past and present. Interweaving listener call-ins and historical stories, the conversation touches on how fountains have functioned as oases, gathering spots, sources of civic pride, and sometimes, sites for protest or controversy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Allure of Fountains

• Stephanie's fascination:

  • Fountains as urban oases embedding nature in a city of glass and steel.
  • Public art aspect; the linkage between fountain sculptors and museum-quality works (02:04).
  • "If there's a fountain around, I am there." —Stephanie Azzarone (02:04)

• Robert's photographic perspective:

  • Fountains range from ornate sculptures to tranquil pools.
  • Aim was to capture their uniqueness and especially the ways people interact with the fountains, not just postcard shots (02:52).
  • "It's not just a postcard. It's New Yorkers sitting, and sometimes getting their feet and maybe some other parts wet in the fountain." —Robert Rodriguez (03:12)

History: Why Fountains?

• Public Health Origins:
  • Driven by cholera epidemics and unsafe water, the Croton Aqueduct (1842) brought clean water, celebrated with accessible fountains (03:47).
  • Early fountains included attached cups for public drinking—a marked social good (04:37).

Notable Fountains, Stories, and Moments

1. City Hall Park Fountain (05:09–08:43)

• The city's first fountain appeared here; current iteration is a restoration of the 1871 Mould Fountain, returned in 1999.
• The infamous “Civic Virtue Triumphant over Unrighteousness” (1922) sparked major criticism for its gendered symbolism—eventually removed (“banished to the boroughs” per Robert).
• Quote: "If Manhattanites did not like a fountain, they were banished to the boroughs." —Robert Rodriguez (07:25)
• Robert’s photography goal: capture the fountain as integrated with the Woolworth Building and City Hall as well as the local feel (08:01).

2. Fountains for Horses, People, and Dogs (09:27–10:27)

• Many 19th-century fountains served carriage horses—and sometimes humans and dogs.
• The Cherry Hill Fountain (Central Park) designed for horses; the Hooper Fountain (155th & Edgecombe) had basins for all three.

3. Washington Square Park Fountain (10:57–11:35, 19:57–20:17)

• An enduring “scene” where jumping in is expected; site of countless childhood memories.
• Personal history: Both Stephanie and Robert attended NYU and cherished this fountain (11:23).

4. Evangeline Blashfield Fountain (11:35–15:09)

• Obscure, nestled under the 59th Street Bridge on the east side.
• Unique for blending stone and mosaics; features a mosaic portrait of Evangeline Blashfield, fruit-filled “horn of plenty,” and was designed for horses and people.
• "Every time I see this, I feel like plucking one of those apples and having the juices drip down my chin." —Stephanie Azzarone (13:30)
• Robert’s technique: Always place the fountain in context—not just the object, but its relationship to the city.

5. Brooklyn’s Bailey Fountain (16:10–18:44)

• Recently restored after structural work caused by the plaza above a subway line (opened again in 2024).
• Striking sculptures (including a laughing “Nereus/Neptune” figure) and art deco features.
• Structural challenges: “The plaza was actually sinking because it’s right above one of the subway lines.” —Robert Rodriguez (17:40)

6. Listener Shout-Outs & Other Fountains

• The Peace Fountain at St. John the Divine—divisive responses (15:15).
• Vale of Cashmere in Prospect Park—sadly dry, too overgrown to include (15:55).
• Seward Park, Fireman’s Monument fountain, suffrage memorial at Riverside—mixed states of repair (19:07).
• The Unisphere at Flushing Meadows—fountain back on, after many on-off cycles through the decades (24:30–25:44).

7. Bethesda Fountain—Central Park Icon (26:40–29:01)

• Social and artistic epicenter of the park, often crowded and lively instead of contemplative.
• Statue of “Angel of the Waters” by Emma Stebbins, modeled after her partner Charlotte Cushman—a little-known LGBTQ+ art history note (27:04).
• Symbolism: Linked to biblical healing waters; also celebrated NYC’s first clean water system via Croton Aqueduct.

8. Bronx and Staten Island Fountains (21:27–22:33, 29:01–30:56)

• Staten Island:
  • Fountain of the Dolphins (playful, modern, recently restored after Hurricane Sandy).
  • Neptune Fountain at Snug Harbor (classical, beautifully sculpted, recently returned to operation).
• Bronx:
  • More fountains than any other borough except Manhattan.
  • Lillian Goldman Fountain of Life (opulent, mythological motifs, 1873).
  • Fantasia Fountain in Parkchester—exuberant, Art Deco/Art Moderne creatures, pure fun.

9. Art and Artists

• Sal Romano, local artist who created multiple public fountains, honored by a caller (25:44).
• Broader reflection on forgotten or overlooked fountain artists and the importance of public art.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the gendered controversy of "Civic Virtue" at City Hall Park:
  “They were very offended by this. Why, of course, why was the guy in this virtue and why were the women a vice? ... he appears to be stepping on the women's necks. So needless to say, this is not go over well.” —Stephanie (06:36)
• On Washington Square Park’s culture:
  “It’s the fountain in New York where if you want to jump in, no one is going to stop you because they expect you to.” —Stephanie (11:17)
• On the Joy of the Bailey Fountain:
  "He's very muscular, and he has this wonderful ropey beard. And he is laughing. He is just so delighted with the water spilling all over him." —Stephanie (17:01)
• On Restoration Efforts:
  “The dolphin fountain was knocked out of commission during Hurricane Sandy and it’s only in the past three years it was finally restored.” —Robert (22:33)
• On Fantasia Fountain:
  "If you're looking for classical, don't go there. It's not the place, but it will make you smile." —Stephanie (30:56)

Key Timestamps

• [02:04] Why Stephanie loves fountains (art and urban oases)
• [03:12] Robert on photographing people interacting with fountains
• [03:47] Fountains as solutions to 19th-century public health crises; Croton Aqueduct
• [05:09–08:43] City Hall Park Fountain history and controversies
• [09:27] Listener question: fountains for horses (Cherry Hill, Hooper)
• [11:05] Washington Square Park Fountain—memories and traditions
• [11:35–15:09] Evangeline Blashfield Fountain—a hidden mosaic gem
• [15:55] The desolate Vale of Cashmere in Prospect Park
• [16:10–18:44] Bailey Fountain, its restoration, and playful sculpture details
• [19:57] Listener memories: summers dipping into Washington Square
• [20:26] Croton Aqueduct commemorations in fountains
• [21:27–22:33] Staten Island: playful Dolphin and dramatic Neptune fountains
• [24:30–25:44] Flushing Meadows Unisphere Fountain—on and off through decades
• [26:40–29:01] Bethesda Fountain, queer art history, and symbolism
• [29:12–30:56] The Bronx’s diverse fountains: classical and whimsical

Episode Tone & Engagement

• Warm, inclusive, encouraging listener nostalgia and civic pride.
• Mix of wit (“If Manhattanites did not like a fountain, they were banished to the boroughs”), affection for oddities (“If you’re looking for classical, don’t go there ... it will make you smile”), and a sense of discovery—inviting New Yorkers to explore, remember, and debate their relationship with public art and communal space.

Conclusion

The conversation weaves historical context, personal memories, and art appreciation, celebrating the city’s fountains as vital elements of New York’s identity. Whether serving horses, providing clean water, showcasing high art, or simply offering a place for kids (and adults) to splash, these fountains reflect the city’s changing spirit. Fabulous Fountains of New York serves as both a guide and a love letter to these aquatic treasures, encouraging listeners to rediscover the beauty and stories flowing all around them.