The Mountain Fountain
Unpopular Public Artwork

The "Mountain Fountain" sculpture was one of the flops of Helena's urban renewal project of the 1970s. Originally installed on the walking mall near the Parrott Confectionery, Montana artist Theodore J. Waddell's abstract mixed-metal silhouette of Mount Helena was plagued by problems. The cost of the 8'x14' sculpture was $10,000 - which is about $52,000 in 2024 money. Plumbing problems, sanitation problems, blowing water, and a rusty-hulk appearance made it a nusiance.

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Scale Model

 

Installation

 

 

Five Years Later, Ongoing Problems
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Supporters Speak Out

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Brief Reprive

 

c.1983


FROM 'HELENA - AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY' BY VIVIAN PALADIN
& JEAN BAUCUS, ©1983 BY BAR-WINEGLASS PUBLISHING, HELENA

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City Attempts to Sell

Three bids were received, the highest being for $200. It was commented at the time that the fountain was worth more than that in scrap. The fountain remained in storage until 1990...

 

"Sold" to the Federal Reserve Branch Bank for $1.00

 

 

At the Federal Reserve, 2009

COURTESY OF ANNAH SMITH