Ancient Goddesses in New York

An Online Guide to Discovering the Sacred Feminine in
Museums, Temples, and Public Places

About Temperance Fountain Goddess

"The Tompkins Square Park fountain (with goddess Hebe) is one of two temperance fountains in New York City. The other one is in Union Square Park and dates from 1881. They are relics of a movement that swept the country beginning in 1826 when the American Temperance Society was founded, followed by other organizations with similar goals. The premise behind the fountains was that the availability of cool drinking water would make alcohol less tempting. In the 19th century, temperance fountains could be found in cities and towns from coast to coast. Now few of them remain."

- Terese Loeb Kreuzer, History Lessons Flow From Two Temperance Fountains, amNY

Sources

NYC Parks, "Tompkins Square Park: Temperance Fountain" (New York City Department of Parks & Recreation), accessed March 23, 2024, https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tompkins-square-park/monuments/1558.

Terese Loeb Kreuzer, "History Lessons Flow from Two Temperance Fountains | AmNewYork," www.amny.com, September 20, 2012, https://www.amny.com/news/history-lessons-flow-from-two-temperance-fountains/.

Walk About New York, "The James Fountain, Its Maternal Qualities," Walkaboutny.com, May 14, 2017, https://walkaboutny.com/2017/05/14/the-james-fountain-its-maternal-qualities/.

Temperance Fountains

Patti McConville / Alamy Stock Photo

Temperance Close-Up of Goddess Hebe in Thompkins Square Park

She is the Greek goddess of youth and cupbearer to the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus.

The words "Faith," "Hope," "Charity" and "Temperance" are inscribed on the sides. Although this statue features an ancient goddess, the reference is Biblical.

Sergi Reboredo / Alamy Stock Photo

Full View of the Temperance Fountain with the Goddess of Health, Hebe, on top.

The NYC Parks Department describes her in this way: "The figure of Hebe, the mythical water carrier, atop the pyramidal stone pediment was originally fabricated in zinc by the J. L. Mott Iron Works in Mott Haven in the Bronx. The classically styled figure is based on a marble statue made circa 1816 by the renowned Danish sculptor Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen (c.1770–1844)."

LatitudeStock / Alamy Stock Photo

Temperance Fountain in Union Square Park has a Statue of Charity with Little children helping her pour the water. She was part of the movement to conquer the "demon rum" by offering water in public places. Now this ornamental fountain has the distinction of being one of the oldest in a city park. She symbolizes the virtue of charity personified by a caring female. Her maternal look has a Madonna vibe.