During a walk through the newly renovated Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront, I came across this familiar gothic water fountain. It’s been in the park over 30 years but I didn’t know anything about it. That led me to research it so I could share it with all of you!
The American Water Works built the Minne Lusa Pumping Station as a part of the Florence Water Works in 1889. Located along John J. Pershing Drive, the pumping station became the main water source for Omaha. It was considered one of the most maginificent buildings in Omaha. With the park like setting of the water works was a large granite fountain inside a wading pool. The fountain had three mountain heads, one on each side, that squired water. Water also sprayed out of the top. It was a popular attraction for kids to cool down in the hot summer months.
The fountain was dismantled in 1960 when the pumping station was partially demolished. Fortunately both were saved. Metropolitan Utilites District donated the Florence Fountain to the city in 1990 where it would be placed in the new park. Later, they would also renovate the pumping station in 2017.
For a complete history of the pumping station, check out the article from North Omaha History.
Please feel free to comment and share your memories.
Until next time, keep exploring!
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