ROCHELLE — The iron fountain in front of the Flagg Township Museum was turned on for the summer this past Saturday…sort of.
When museum board member Steve Frank went down the manhole to turn on the water, he discovered a break in the copper line leading from the museum to the fountain. Turning on the fountain would have produced a small flood.
Approximately 15 people were on hand to witness the nonevent, which included a short program, refreshments and music by Jasmine Hennessee, a junior at Rochelle Township High School. Hennessee played “The Star Spangled Banner” for the attendees.

Once the pipe is repaired, the fountain will be turned on for the summer.
The iron fountain is more than 100 years old and was a gift to the city arranged by Laura Fessler, an early Rochelle resident.  
Originally located on Fourth Avenue and Lincoln Highway, the fountain was moved, put in storage, and eventually relocated in front of the museum at Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street.
The fountain provides cool, city water to humans, dogs, birds and horses on the various levels.