Drinking Fountains of Caltech
Unique to the historic campus buildings at Caltech are the tiled drinking fountains. Above, the first one I saw while training to become a docent. This one is located in Linde Robinson.
It’s a fun pastime to have, locating these fountains. Like going on a treasure hunt! On any given building level, there could be 1 or 2 of these.
The following is a compilation of the fountains I’ve found and photographed. I believe there may be a couple more for me to find :-)
Dabney Hall of Humanities
I found 3 fountains in Dabney. The fountain on level 1 has a description in Romy Wylie‘s book “Caltech's Architectural Heritage”:
A leaf motif forms the back drop of a first floor fountain. A basement level fountain is enhanced by a chevron design of red, yellow and black tiles on a blue back-ground. Similar colors might have been used for the exterior tile work of the building.
The basement fountain, image below, is a favorite of mine with its bright colors and modern design.
To round out the fountains in Dabney, the one on the second level has the same leaf motif as the one on the first level but a simpler niche design.
Gates Annex
As you enter Gates Annex, you’ll find the fountain shown below located to the right of the stairway that leads to the Chemistry Library. The fountain is a favorite of mine for its use of different tile designs and pattern continuing down the base.
If you head westward around the corner from the fountain above, you’ll find the yellow tile-framed fountain below.
Kerckhoff Biology & Biological Science
The fountain above can be found across from Morgan Library on level 2, outside kitchenette room 226.
The same tiles can be found in a different arrangement on another fountain on level one. This fountain has a more substantial marble base.
On level one, close to the entrance from Wilson Ave., you’ll find the fountain that has a shell motif detail on top.
East Bridge
East Bridge has the lovely fountain with the floral pattern below.
West Bridge
The fountain in West Bridge is truly striking with it’s wide horizontal tile pattern across the base.
Bridge Annex
The fountain in Bridge Annex was my most recent find. I stepped through the wrong door and was rewarded with this beauty! Sometimes it pays to get lost.