Tuck Point Repairs at the Veterans' Memorial Fountain
Heritage Restoration restored the 1926 Veterans Memorial Fountain in Mt. Morris, IL, honoring WWI soldiers. Work included soft-pressure washing, tuckpointing cracked mortar joints, reattaching loose stones, and applying a UV-resistant sealer to preserve the historic structure.
In Detail
Heritage Restoration and Design Studio recently traveled to Mt. Morris, Illinois, to perform much-needed restoration work on the township’s historic Veterans Memorial Fountain. Located on the northeast corner of the campus square, the fountain was originally dedicated on November 14, 1926, by Mt. Morris Post 143 of the American Legion. This solemn memorial honors local veterans of World War I, including five Mt. Morris soldiers who were killed in action. The site features a fountain integrated into a stone brick wall, which had deteriorated significantly over time.
Years of exposure had left the memorial weathered and in disrepair. The stonework was darkened by mold and grime, and numerous cracks had developed in the mortar joints holding the structure together. Heritage Restoration began the restoration process with a gentle soft-pressure wash to remove surface buildup without damaging the aged materials. Careful attention was then given to the deteriorated mortar joints, which were methodically removed using both grinders and chisels to preserve the structural integrity of the surrounding stone.
New mortar was applied to the joints using a blend specifically chosen to closely match the existing brickwork, ensuring a seamless and historically appropriate finish. Additionally, any loose or broken stones were carefully reattached to restore the original shape and stability of the wall. To protect the newly restored surface, a UV-resistant clear sealer was applied over the stone and mortar, providing long-lasting protection against the elements.
Through this meticulous restoration effort, Heritage has helped preserve an important piece of Mt. Morris history. The Veterans Memorial Fountain once again stands as a dignified and lasting tribute to the community’s service members, now restored to a condition worthy of their memory.
This restoration project was under the auspices of the Kohler Foundation, a charitable foundation dedicated to the preservation of historic monuments in Wisconsin and Illinois.
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