Published: May 09, 2008 07:04 pm      

A Century on the Square

Community leaders speak about the special place in the heart of Somerset

Officials and community members gathered yesterday to celebrate a place where many memories have been made over the last 100 years.

The gathering was held by Pulaski County Judge-executive Barty Bullock and his staff at the Fountain Square in downtown Somerset, in commemoration of the Square’s 100th anniversary.

The beginnings for the fountain came about when a committee of county justices and town commissioners was formed in 1893 to plan for a fountain on the public square.

Then some 15 years later — in 1908 — this was accomplished when a group called the Commercial Club raised $1,250 from citizens and businesses. This, along with appropriations from Pulaski Fiscal Court and Somerset Town Council, was used to pay for developing the square and installing a fountain.

“We celebrate the people who have made Somerset a great city and Pulaski County a great county,” said Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler.

Girdler recalled memories of being on the Square when he was growing up, and how it was a special treat to come to the Square on the weekends. He also noted that not only was it a place he would come and get ice cream, but also a place where everyone would come school shopping at Salutsky’s and the Fair Store, among others, before a new school year began.

“... The Square exists for the people,” said Girdler.

Meanwhile, Cornelia Cooper, who along with other family members, has played a huge part in the Square’s history, spoke of the beauty of the Square and how she was so glad to see it restored.

“A thing of beauty lives forever,” said Cooper.

In 1963, Senator and Mrs. John Sherman Cooper offered to restore the Square as “a gift to the people of Somerset and Pulaski County.” At that time, a design of famous architect Boris Tim Shenko was used for the Square.

Cooper said the Square has been so important to her over the years, and she and her husband, the late Richard Cooper, asked Bullock quickly after he was elected if he would try to restore the fountain.

“It looks absolutely beautiful,” said Cooper.

She noted that at the time Senator Cooper and his wife, Loraine, had Shenko design the city centerpiece, there were very few places in Kentucky that had a town square.

“It is the heart of the county,” said Cooper. “It is our best foot forward.”

Congressman Hal Rogers said his memories of the Square began 44 years ago when he began practicing law in downtown Somerset.

“We all have our own private memories of this place,” said Rogers.

Rogers said he can recall both the old courthouse and political rallies that would take place on the Square, as well as the dedication of the John Sherman Cooper Statute on the Square.

“The Square has meant so much to all of us,” said Rogers.

Rogers said the Square signifies a union of the county and city, and a common meeting place.

He said he wanted to thank Bullock and all of his staff for the work they’ve done, as well as the Coopers, as they for what they’ve done.

“It’s been 100 years,” said Rogers. “We’ll see you in another 100 years (on the Square).”