Watering trough, cast iron

Title

Watering trough, cast iron

Accession Number

1996.1.1

Accession Date

May 30, 1996

Depositor

Oda L. Fowler

Description

This cast-iron watering trough stood on Randall Street in Greer, SC, in 1916 when it was a dirt road. In 1923 the street was paved, and Officer Charles F. "Uncle Charlie" Liverett moved it to his home. Officer Liverett served in the Greer Police Department, which was located on Randall Street with the fire department and city hall.

See images from the 1902 Clow catalog (in the Library of Congress) for a similar trough; the base is shaped slightly differently, but otherwise similar in all respects.

Creator

James B. Clow and Sons, Chicago, IL

Date

early 20th century

Storage Location

Gallery Main

Source

Mrs. Oda Fowler

Subject

Cast iron watering trough

Identifier

1996.1.1

Accrual Method

Gift

Nomenclature

Category 04: Tools & Equipment for Materials
> Animal Husbandry T&E
> Animal Care Equipment
> Waterer, Animal
> Trough, Watering

Date Submitted

Unknown. However, it appears that it was donated by Oda Fowler herself; Mrs. Fowler passed away Oct. 22, 2005, at the age of 91. Though just conjecture, it seems likely that the GHM founder, Carm Hudson, had been working toward building the collection for several years. It was probably donated much earlier than the listed date of May 30, 1996, while Mrs. Fowler was still alive and living in the family home (she had moved to a nursing center by the time she passed). Mrs. Hudson likely viewed it as one of the most significant of the original artifacts, leading her to select it as the first item officially entered into the accession book.

Provenance

Oda L. Fowler, the donor, inherited the trough from her father, Charles F. Liverett. Oda Fowler made the following notes on the original gift form: "Horses' cast iron watering trough was located on Randall St which was a dirt road in the year 1916. Horses would be tied to hitching post and drink from the trough. The City Hall, Fire Dept, Wood Mortuary and Police Dept. were located on Randall St. About this time Charles F. Liverett (Uncle Charlie) went to work for the city as a night policeman. Later he was promoted to a day policeman and street superintendent. In 1923 road was paved. Trough then taken to 108 Marchant St; Mr. Liverett's home – Daughter, Oda Fowler lives there now."