Memorial Photo: The Laura M. Towne Memorial Fountain

Laura Towne

Memorial Photo: The Laura M. Towne Memorial Fountain

c. 1906-1912

Memorial Photo

The University of North Carolina Special Collections Library provides a photo taken by Helen C. Jenks sometime between 1906 and 1912 showing the Laura Matilda Towne Memorial Fountain, which honors the White abolitionist, missionary, educator, and physician from the North. The memorial is located in front of the site of the original school and opposite Brick Baptist Church on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Engraved on the memorial is the following: “In memory of Laura M. Towne, 1825-1901: She devoted 39 years of her life to the colored people of St. Helena Island and employed her means in their education and care.”

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The Southern Historical Collection at the Louis Round Wilson Special Collections Library, University of North Carolina (Contributor: Penn Center)

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