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Sunday, August 23, 2015

South Park Blocks #1: Simon Benson Memorial

IMG_2244 Simon Benson Memorial in Portland, Oregon on February 15, 2010
Simon Benson Memorial on February 15, 2010

On SW Salmon Street at the northernmost end of the South Park Blocks is the Simon Benson Memorial. The memorial includes a “Benson Bubbler” drinking fountain. Benson donated $10,000 in 1912 for the installation of 20 such fountains in downtown Portland.

IMG_2245 Simon Benson Memorial in Portland, Oregon on February 15, 2010
Simon Benson Memorial on February 15, 2010

The memorial was planned by architect Albert E. Doyle (who also designed the Benson Bubblers) when he was designing the Benson Hotel and constructed in 1959 by the students of Benson Polytechnic School.

IMG_2099 Simon Benson Memorial Plaque in Portland, Oregon on February 15, 2010
Simon Benson Memorial Plaque on February 15, 2010

The memorial features a round bronze plaque with a bas relief of Benson and a record of his life: "Lumberman. Philanthropist. Originator of ocean-going log rafts. Sponsor of the Columbia River Highway. Benefactor of Benson Polytechnic School. Donor of Multnomah Falls, Benson State Park, and Portland's drinking fountains."

Continue to 2: Shemanski Fountain

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