Snow Fountain and Clock
Also known as: Winthrop Square Fountain
Why it's listed
Standing at the junction of North and East Main Streets in Brockton, the Snow Fountain and Clock combines a granite horse trough, a small drinking fountain with dog troughs, and a tall four-faced clock. The south side is a semicircular trough about twelve feet across, now used as a planter, while three granite steps on the north side lead to the drinking basin. Above rises a fluted square column topped by clock faces with raised bronze numerals and incandescent bulbs concealed in decorative shields and along the finial. E. Howard Clock Company built the clock, which was erected in 1902 and restored in 1976. Shoe manufacturer George G. Snow presented it to the city, and it quickly became a local landmark. When the clock failed in 1950, the city installed a modern replacement on a nearby building so travelers could still check the time. Its recognition rests on its role as a landmark and as an example of civic generosity.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is an important local landmark and an example of civic munificence by a prominent Brockton citizen. It was given to the city in 1902 by shoe manufacturer George G. Snow. Residents, horses and dogs all used it, and when the clock stopped working in 1950 the city put up a replacement clock nearby.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 77000197, listed July 25, 1977. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | N. Main and E. Main Sts., Brockton |
|---|---|
| County | Plymouth County |
| Listed | July 25, 1977 |
| Reference number | 77000197 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | Clock: E. Howard & Company; fountain: Milnes & Chalvers, Cont. |
| Areas of significance | Art, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Clock refurbished and restored in 1976 and working again; the horse trough is now used as a planter and the surface around the base is asphalt. Owned by the City of Brockton. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.09596, -71.01915 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 77000197.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7548231
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.