A Fountain Flows In Kirkland -- Long-Sought Cemetery Feature Will Be Dedicated Tomorrow

KIRKLAND

The sculpted Italian fountain stands nearly in the center of the Kirkland Cemetery, water bubbling from its top, a 12-foot-wide pool of water at its base, all illuminated by underwater lights.

According to the cemetery's original design, the fountain should have been there nearly 110 years ago. Instead, it's going to be formally dedicated at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

The fountain became a reality largely because of Corrine Hieb, a Kirkland resident who became interested in doing something to benefit the city she loves.

"It's come true within a year, and we're very excited about it," Hieb said.

Her interest in the cemetery developed after she and her husband, Henry, moved to Kirkland from California. He died three years ago and was buried at the city cemetery.

Corrine Hieb recalled that shelooked through a city "wish book" of civic projects and noticed plans for the fountain in the cemetery, 8055 122nd Ave. N.E., across from Lake Washington High School.

Research showed the city's founder, Peter Kirk, had planned the cemetery after he began developing the city as a steel-mill town in 1889.

After a depression hit in 1893, Kirk's grand plans fizzled, and the cemetery fountain never was installed.

The idea was considered again in 1910, Hieb said, but never materialized.

As a member of the Kirkland Woman's Club and Kirkland's Heritage Society, Hieb enlisted the aid of both organizations. She also approached city staff members and made a presentation to the City Council last year.

Fund raising began in earnest in January, and in less than a year, the needed money, about $25,000, was found.

"We all have such a love of our community, and it was more or less done $5 at a time," Hieb said.

"It's a thrill. Some thought it would be a two-year project, but it went much faster than we expected."

With the help of Bob Burke, president of the Heritage Society, research was done to create a fountain that would be historically accurate of the late 1880s. The 7-foot tiered fountain, carved from stone, with a circular pool at its base was finally selected. Work crews yesterday were doing final preparations for tomorrow's ceremony.

"It just fits the site," Hieb said.

Hieb noted the fountain also is a fitting testimony to the efforts of the Kirkland Woman's Club, which was founded in January 1920.

The club helped start the city's first library and became part of a national association of women's clubs. It continues to function in its historic building across from City Hall.

A reception at the Kirkland Woman's Club, 407 First St., will follow the dedication.

"This project has given us a chance to create an awareness of our organization," she noted.

But what it had really provided, she noted, was an opportunity to help the city.

"It has been a thrill to do this," she said. "I just love this town."

Peyton Whitely's phone message number is 206-464-2259. His e-mail address is pwhitely@seattletimes.com