From "The Fountain" postcard 1903
  "The Fountain"

    In the town center of Port Deposit one the more interesting artifact from the past, the 1903 Miranda Beach memorial "The Fountain". Upon viewing this monument one is first taken aback at the size of this solid granite water fountain. At the front facing Main Street is a trough large enough to contain water to quench horse and cattle. On the cooler side there are several troughs, two at the base for dogs cats or sheep. One high enough for a person to dip a ladle and on top a basin for birds to drink and bathe.

Now days we take for granted the value of cool water flowing freely and of course sanitation would be our concern but a hundred years ago this memorial to the life of a woman named Miranda Beach meant life and refreshment to all who passed the center of our town.

From the Midland Journal, Rising Sun, Md., April 29, 1904
"The public drinking fountain, presented to the town of Port Deposit by some benevolent person who does not wish his name revealed, has been erected in the Town Square."

From the Midland Journal, Rising Sun, Md., May  20, 1904
"The handsome granite drinking fountain recently erected in Port Deposit, was presented to the town by Miss Martha E. Beach, of Bridgeport, Conn. The fountain is composed of Port Deposit granite. Upon the side facing the pavement is a constantly flowing stream of drinking water, a dipper hanging near. The approach from the street is over Belgian blocks, thus avoiding a mud hole. At this point there is a large bowl for horses and cattle to drink from. Underneath this at either corner is a little bowl for smaller animals, such as dogs, cats, sheep, etc. On the capstone is a plate which bears the following inscription, 'In Remembrance Miranda E. Beach, 1903.' The fountain was erected by Miss Martha E. Beach, a former resident of the town, as a memorial to her mother." 

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