Have you ever stumbled across something so odd-looking you couldn’t help but wonder, “What on earth is this?” Well, you’re not alone. Sometimes, relics from the past pop up, and they leave younger generations completely baffled. One such mystery object? A forgotten hero of public spaces — the old public drinking fountain, affectionately known as the “bubbler.”

Let’s dive into the story behind this curious relic — and why it once played such a massive role in everyday American life.

What Is This Strange Metal Object?

At first glance, it might look like part of a spaceship, a mechanical prop from a 1950s sci-fi movie, or maybe even some kind of industrial equipment. Its smooth, round metal body and curved spout seem like a puzzle without instructions.

But here’s the big reveal: this chunky piece of metal is the top portion of a public drinking fountain. Specifically, it’s the fountain head and water valve assembly that was once mounted on a pedestal or concrete slab in parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards across the United States.

Video: [174] Elkay Drinking Fountains

How This Forgotten Fixture Worked

Picture this: You’re out playing baseball at the local park on a hot summer day. The sun’s beating down. You’re sweaty, tired, and craving a cool drink. You dash over to one of these public drinking fountains.

Here’s how it worked:

• You pressed a button or twisted a knob attached to the body.
• Water arced gently from the spout in a neat, upward stream.
• You leaned over, took a refreshing sip directly from the fountain, hands-free.
• No plastic bottles, no cups, just pure, cold water straight from the source.

Simple? Absolutely. Brilliant? Without a doubt. These fountains made hydration easy and accessible before bottled water became a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Why These Public Drinking Fountains Were Everywhere

Back in the day, having a drink of clean, free water wasn’t just a nice bonus — it was a public service priority.

Public Parks and Spaces
Cities installed these fountains to keep people healthy, active, and refreshed. Whether you were hiking a trail, watching a little league game, or just taking your dog for a walk, you could count on these sturdy fixtures to quench your thirst.

Schools and Universities
Almost every playground or college quad had several bubblers strategically placed around campus. Forget hauling around heavy water bottles. If you were thirsty, you simply walked over and helped yourself.

An Icon of Civic Pride
Believe it or not, some towns took serious pride in their drinking fountains! Designs became fancier over time, ranging from basic metal units (like the one in the photo) to ornate stone fountains complete with lion heads, cherubs, and detailed tile mosaics.

Why the “Bubbler” Nickname?

Ever heard someone call it a “bubbler” and wondered why?

The term originated around the early 1900s, mostly in Wisconsin and parts of New England. The original design made the water gently “bubble” up rather than shoot it into the air like a geyser. The name stuck in some parts of the U.S. and became a quirky regionalism — a little slice of Americana still hanging on today.

Kind of charming, right?

Why These Fountains Are Disappearing

Unfortunately, you don’t see many old drinking fountains around anymore. But why?

Sanitation Concerns
Over the years, public health concerns started popping up. People worried about germs spreading through communal water fountains, especially during outbreaks of flu and other illnesses. Modern designs improved sanitation, but some cities chose to phase out older models altogether.

Vandalism and Maintenance
Maintaining public fountains turned into a nightmare for city governments. Vandals damaged them, pipes froze and burst in winter, and parts like the spout and button wore down after years of heavy use. Replacing or fixing them was expensive.

The Rise of Bottled Water
Let’s be honest — bottled water changed everything. Instead of seeking out public fountains, people now tote their own personal water supply wherever they go. Convenience trumped tradition, and the humble drinking fountain slowly faded into the background.

A Nostalgic Symbol of Simpler Times

Seeing one of these old drinking fountains today feels like spotting a rare animal in the wild. They’re symbols of a slower, simpler era when people trusted their neighbors, spent more time outdoors, and valued communal resources.

It’s easy to take a quick drink for granted today. But once upon a time, a public drinking fountain was a tiny miracle — a bit of kindness built right into the urban landscape.

And even though most young people might scratch their heads when they see an old bubbler, there’s something kind of beautiful about that mystery, don’t you think?

Video: How To Drink From A Water Fountain

Fun Facts About Old Drinking Fountains You Probably Didn’t Know

1. First Invented in 1859
The modern drinking fountain was invented by Halsey Taylor, whose father died from typhoid fever caused by contaminated water. He created fountains to promote safe drinking water access.

2. Some Had Dual Handles
Some designs offered a second spout lower down — specifically for children or people in wheelchairs. Pretty forward-thinking, right?

3. Early Models Were Gravity-Fed
Before modern plumbing, many public fountains used simple gravity pressure to push water through the pipes and create the bubbling stream.

4. In Some Places, Water Fountains Were Segregated
Sadly, in America’s Jim Crow South, even drinking fountains were divided by race — a grim reminder of the long fight for civil rights.

5. Fountains Were Once Decorative Centerpieces
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, grand public fountains with intricate sculptures and beautiful mosaics weren’t just about hydration — they were about civic beauty and pride.

Why We Should Care About These Lost Pieces of History

You might wonder, “Why bother remembering something as small as a drinking fountain?”

Here’s why: They represent shared experiences. Common spaces. Free access to a basic human need. In a world increasingly obsessed with privatization and individualism, public drinking fountains remind us of a time when we built things for everyone — no strings attached.

In their own quiet way, these humble fountains symbolize trust, community, and care. Values we could all use a little more of today.

Conclusion: A Small Object with a Big Story

What looks like a forgotten chunk of metal lying in a gravel lot is really a window into America’s past. It’s a piece of a world where communities invested in simple joys — a cold sip of water on a hot day, shared freely with anyone who needed it.

So the next time you spot an old bubbler tucked behind a forgotten park bench or hiding near an overgrown playground, take a moment to appreciate it. Touch the cool metal. Picture the kids laughing nearby. Hear the gentle bubble of fresh water rising up.

Because sometimes, the smallest things hold the biggest stories.