Ever spotted a strange metal object and thought, “What the heck is this thing?” You’re not alone. Many young people today are baffled when they stumble across a piece of history hiding in plain sight — the public drinking fountain, also known as the “bubbler.”

This curious little device once played a huge role in daily life across America. Let’s unravel the mystery and rediscover its place in our shared past.

What Exactly Is This Object?

It might look like some odd part of a machine or a leftover piece from a science lab, but in reality, it’s much simpler — and way more nostalgic.

This strange object is actually the top portion of a public drinking fountain. The spout and button combo used to be mounted on metal pedestals or stone blocks in parks, schoolyards, and street corners. Press the button, and out came a stream of fresh, drinkable water.

Video: Elkay Drinking Fountains

How Did It Work?

Back in the day, you didn’t need a bottle or cup. You’d simply walk up to the fountain, press the button, and sip the arcing stream of cool water. It was that easy.

No plastic waste. No extra gear. Just free hydration whenever you needed it — especially during hot summers when the local park or playground was buzzing with activity.

Why Were These Fountains So Common?

In the past, providing clean drinking water in public places was a sign of progress and care for the community. These fountains weren’t just practical — they were statements of civic pride.

Parks and Public Spaces
Cities made sure these fountains were available in parks and recreation areas to keep people healthy and hydrated. Whether you were walking your dog or watching a baseball game, there was always a bubbler nearby.

Schools and Campuses
From elementary playgrounds to college campuses, drinking fountains were everywhere. Forget water bottles — you just walked over to the nearest bubbler when you were thirsty.

Designs That Made a Statement
Some fountains were plain and industrial, while others were full-on works of art. Ornate versions had lion heads, mosaics, and sculpted stonework, turning a simple drink of water into a mini event.

Where Did the Name “Bubbler” Come From?

If you’ve ever heard someone — usually from Wisconsin or Rhode Island — call a drinking fountain a “bubbler,” that’s not a joke. That’s what they’re actually called in those regions.

The name came from early designs where water would softly bubble up rather than stream out in a strong jet. The term stuck in certain parts of the country and became part of local dialects.

Why Are They Disappearing?

So, why don’t we see many of these fountains anymore? Several reasons explain their slow fade from public spaces.

Health Concerns
Over the years, worries about germs and disease spread through shared fountains led to their decline — especially during times of illness outbreaks.

Maintenance Costs and Vandalism
Fountains took a beating. Weather damaged them, vandals broke them, and parts wore out. Cities found it expensive to repair or replace them year after year.

The Bottled Water Takeover
Let’s be honest — bottled water became the new norm. Instead of finding a fountain, people started carrying their own water everywhere. It’s convenient, but it also made public fountains feel obsolete.

Why This Object Still Matters

Video: How To Drink From A Water Fountain

Even if most young people can’t guess what it was used for, this old drinking fountain tells a story. It reminds us of a time when community came first. When cities built things for everyone to use. When taking a drink of water didn’t come with a price tag or a plastic bottle.

Five Fun Facts About Old Drinking Fountains

1. The First Modern Fountain Was Invented in 1859
Halsey Taylor designed it to promote safe water after losing his father to illness from contaminated water.

2. Early Versions Used Gravity, Not Pumps
Before modern plumbing, these fountains used gravity-fed systems to deliver a gentle stream of water.

3. Many Had a Second Spout for Kids or Accessibility
Some fountains were built with a second, lower spout so that children or people in wheelchairs could also drink easily.

4. They Were Once Racially Segregated
In the American South during segregation, fountains were shamefully labeled and divided by race — a dark reminder of the country’s past.

5. Some Were Works of Art
In big cities, fountains weren’t just practical — they were beautiful. From bronze detailing to marble sculptures, they were centerpieces in public squares.

Why We Shouldn’t Forget Them

These fountains weren’t just tools. They were part of the social fabric — a reminder that some things in life, like water, should be free and available to all.

They symbolized care, trust, and the simple joy of community. Maybe that’s why they still hold a strange sense of magic today — even if most people don’t recognize them anymore.

Conclusion: A Small Object, A Big Legacy

This odd little spout might not mean much to younger generations, but for those who remember, it brings back a wave of memories. It was more than just a drinking tool — it was a symbol of shared moments, public good, and simple pleasures.

So if you ever stumble across one in a forgotten park or an old schoolyard, take a moment to appreciate it. That’s not just metal and plumbing — it’s a piece of history. And like all good stories, it deserves to be remembered.