Shemanski Fountain was completed in 1926 and named after Joseph Shemanski, a Polish immigrant who gave it to the city. Shemanski started out as a traveling clock salesman and ended up becoming a prominent Portland businessman. He gave the fountain to the city out of gratitude. The sculpture, which was added to the fountain in 1928, depicts a story from the bible, Rebecca at the well. Abraham sent his most trusted servant to find his son Isaac a suitable wife. The servant devised a test, praying that the first woman who offered to draw water from the well for Abraham's servant and his many camels would be revealed as the bride for Isaac. Rebecca appeared, offered water to all, and married Isaac. Now, this sculpture shows Rebecca serving water, and people AND dogs can serve themselves at the fountain (but we ask that Fido use the lower dog fountain, which Shemanski thoughtfully included).
