GOUVERNEUR — The antique fountain that once decorated the village park will return by fall.

The fountain was installed in the park in 1876 but was removed and discarded in 1957. It was rescued by Frank B. and Mary Ellen LaFalce, both educators at Gouverneur Central School, who restored it and kept it in a side yard of their Richville home.

Mr. LaFalce died in 1996. The will of Mrs. LaFalce, who died April 10, left the fountain to the village.

"I can't wait to see it again," Mayor Dorothy L. Vorce said. "It's in very good condition."

The fountain will be removed by B-S Industrial Contractors, Gouverneur, and touched up before it is installed in the park by B-S's sister company, Farley Equipment.

"They're doing it for the community," Mrs. Vorce said. "I don't think it's going to cost us anything."

The fountain will be filled and the water circulated by a pump, so no pipes will be necessary and the fountain can be drained for the winter, Mrs. Vorce said.

The fountain will be installed in the park in front of the Gouverneur Museum.

"It's got plenty of room there," Mrs. Vorce said. "That's where it was before."

The village will install security cameras to guard against vandalism and will set up a fund that can accept public donations for the fountain's maintenance. A similar fund was previously established for the eagle that is atop the Memorial Arch.

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