The Simsbury Historical Society recently restored the flow of water to the White Memorial Fountain much to the delight of passersby, neighbors, and outdoor diners at nearby Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar. To celebrate and raise funds for the Simsbury Historical Society’s ongoing stewardship of this beautiful monument, Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar is hosting a ticketed cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The historic White Memorial Fountain is located in the Weatogue section of Simsbury on Hopmeadow Street, opposite Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar. It’s situated on a small parcel of land donated by the Pettibone family, descendants of the original owners of the former Pettibone Tavern where Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar is housed.
The fountain was dedicated in 1892 to the memory of Dr. Roderick White who died in 1887. For five decades, White served as a physician in Simsbury and educated his patients about disease and prevention. His widow, Elizabeth Hungerford White, left instructions in her will that a water fountain be constructed in her husband’s honor. Originally fed with water from D. Stuart Dodge’s spring a mile away, it is connected to public utilities for water and electricity. The Simsbury Historical Society was entrusted to care for the White Memorial Fountain in 1989. Annual operating costs including utilities, landscaping, and maintenance typically exceed $6000. Unforeseen repairs are additional.
With each charitable contribution of $100, supporters are eligible to receive one (1) complimentary admission ticket to the May 27 cocktail reception at Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar. Due to limited seating, the number of tickets available for the cocktail reception is restricted to 50.
EVENT DETAILS:
Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m. on the outdoor patio of Abigail’s Grille and Wine Bar located at 4 Hartford Road. Rain date is Wednesday, May 28.
DONATIONS:
Donations of any amount are welcome. Donations and ticket requests may be placed online or:
In person at the Simsbury Historical Society’s Ellsworth Visitor Center, located at 10 Phelps Lane.
By check mailed to Simsbury Historical Society, White Memorial Fountain Fund, PO Box 2, Simsbury, CT 06070
For additional information, email info@simsburyhistory.org or call 860-658-2500 Thursday – Saturday between noon and 4 p.m.