Temperance Union Lion Statue - lil' Las Vegas, New Mexico

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"Fountain Park” (The Triangle, Lion Park) began as an open patch of ground where wagons were parked. In 1896, the Women's Christian Temperance Union hired local stonemason Angelo de Tullio to design and sculpt a fountain. They aimed to provide an alternative watering hole for residents who preferred not to visit neighboring saloons. De Tullio's fountain is dominated by a lion with angelic features. This well-crafted piece of folk sculpture spurted water from its mouth into a trough below. The fountain showcases the skills of local immigrant Italian stonemasons and represents one work of the community. As Lynn Perrigo notes: "It symbolizes the past interplay between two aspects of local culture - the excesses of the boom era and the determination of dedicated local women to create a wholesome environment in Las Vegas." The Lion Fountain consists of a base, pedestal, basin, plinth block, and lion sculpture all carved from reddish-brown sandstone typically referred to as “Romeroville Stone”. It suffers from 'spalling', the delamination of stone caused by freezing and thawing during seasons. The upper lip, right paw, and tail require repair, while graffiti must be cleaned off the fountain. Fortunately, the fountain pipes remain intact and could potentially be restored to working order, once again providing a functional water feature.