Since the late 1960s children have clamored to put their heads inside the lion's mouth in Brainerd.
The iconic image of the lion grabbed lakes area tourists by the throat, so to speak, and never let go.
"We've had people call us and say, 'Where is the lion's head?'" said Brainerd Lions Club President Nancy Cross. "We are so happy to have it back."
The lion - which is owned by the Brainerd Lions Club - usually took up its summer residence along South Sixth Street in front of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber office by Memorial Day weekend.
Last fall instead of going to its regular winter habitat, the Lions fountain on South Sixth Street in Brainerd since the 1960s was sent for a makeover with artist Josh Porter of Avalon Studios. Porter stripped off layers of paint, reinforced the lion's head, replaced the plumbing and put on fresh automotive paint to restore the original look and retain durability. The lion was back in service the week before the Fourth of July.
Submitted Photo
Last fall, instead of going to its regular winter habitat, it was sent for a makeover with artist Josh Porter of Avalon Studios. Porter stripped off layers of paint, reinforced the lion's head, replaced the plumbing and put on fresh automotive paint to restore the original look and retain durability.
Work on the drain corrected a problem of water retention as the drain previously sat up higher than the basin. And a push button by the fountain head replaced a faucet that used to sit deeper in the lion's mouth. The lion's head was placed back on its prideful corner the week before the Fourth of July.
"So we should be good for 20 years or more," Porter said of the refurbished drinking fountain. "The idea was to fix it up and have it be ready for the next generation too."
While removing the layers of paint, Porter uncovered blue eye shadow that once graced the lion's face before it was painted black.
The Brainerd Lions Club is believed to be the second oldest club in the state. It was established here in 1921. Terry Larson has been the recent caretaker for fountain, storing it during the winter months with his wife helping with paint touch-ups.
The fountain is dedicated to the late Jim Martinson, an active Lions member who took care of the fountain for many years.
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