February 28, 2008
Newsletter of the Portland Water Bureau Randy Leonard, Commissioner • David G. Shaff , Administrator The Man Behind Elk 2nd Annual Limerick Contest! Fountain There Once Was an Elk from Nantucket…
That’s right folks, it’s that time of year again, our second annual Water Bureau Limerick Contest! Last year’s assignment was to write a little ditty about our world famous Benson Bubblers. Marion Gaylord in the Revenue Bureau took top prize with: There once was a burgher named Benson, A generous giver, and then some. Between the two Plaza For quenching one’s thirst, Blocks, Main Street His “bubblers” rank fi rst, curves around a huge With Portlanders, aged and winsome! elk fountain given to the city by former Portland This year will be more of a challenge. “The mayor and civic leader, Elk” fountain right here in downtown David P. Thompson. Stumptown is the designated topic.
Thompson served in the Contest Rules Oregon State Legislature 1. Entries must abide by standard limerick and was twice elected form (fi ve lines, AABBA rhyme scheme). Mayor of Portland, once I was kind of lax about this last year, but in 1879 and again in no more Mr. Nice Guy. Follow the form 1881. or get your own contest! 2. All submissions should be original (not Roland Hinton Perry, previously published); whose work adorns 3. Meet the deadline: March 21, 5pm. the Library of Congress Here’s what our ignoble Outreach staff has come and the dome of the 4. Contest open to anyone and everyone. up with so far. I only hope that you can do better! If Pennsylvania state 5. One entry per person. you think you can, get out your pen! capitol, created the Our noble Elk Fountain, so grand The winner will be announced in the March And not just sitting there, you know, he was planned bronze statue to Between two city squares commemorate elk that 27th edition of DISPATCH. All entries will be He observes the aff airs once grazed nearby. published in DISPATCH and on the Water Of our city, on his island of land Blog. The winner will receive a framed photo Many have tried to of the Elk Fountain and will go down in history as the 2008 Water Bureau Limerick winner! have Thompson’s elk removed because it can Last year’s contest was a huge hit - both among employees and the public and resulted in be considered a traffi c our being noticed by The Oregonian. I may even ask them to pick a favorite as well. obstacle, but the elk statue remains. In 1974, Send your contest entries by e-mail to Sarah Bott [email protected]. Thompson’s elk and the Plaza Blocks were Have fun and enjoy. designated as Historic Landmarks. Administrator Decorative Fountains QUIZ! Test Your Fountain Knowledge! The Portland Water Bureau maintains 19 decorative fountains in Match the fountains from the list to the left with the photos of the fountains below. Keep track of downtown Portland. how many you guess correctly. No cheating or peeking at the answers! The fountains are historic sites as well as places to meet people, watch people, and to cool on hot summer days.