Photo courtesy of Jake Mokrycki

The Forgotten Name of Troy's Public Square Water Fountain

Untold numbers of people visit downtown Troy every day. They drive through the Public Square, walk on its sidewalks, sit on a bench, or shop at a nearby store. Some linger to enjoy the sight and sound of the water bubbling from the fountain in the center of the roundabout. Yet, most people do not know that the Public Square water fountain has a name. It was dedicated on July 4, 1976 as the Ivan D. Terrell Memorial Fountain. Terrell had served as Mayor of Troy from 1967 to 1975. He died of cancer on December 30, 1975--a day before he was scheduled to begin his third term as Mayor.

A new fountain had been planned for the Public Square during Terrell’s term in office. Money for its construction was in the city budget for 1976. The fountain there in the mid-1970s needed to be replaced because it had deteriorated and been vandalized. City Council members at the time were concerned about what they saw as escalating costs for a new fountain. The replacement cost was originally set to be about $10,000, but some councilmembers thought it would cost much more.

To save money, Troy City Engineer Don Fogle designed the fountain. A story in the Troy Daily News on February 27, 1976 titled "The Fountain" reported that according to Fogle “…the fountain has been patterned after the impressive bubbler that welcomes visitors to the Caesar’s Palace Casino in Las Vegas.” (Note: In several newspaper stories the fountain is referred to as a “bubbler.”)

The new fountain was built and opened with a dedication ceremony on July 4, 1976. A switch to start the fountain water flowing was flipped by Terrell’s widow, Marguerite. That switch is today owned by The Troy Historical Society and is currently on display at the Troy-Miami County Public Library Local History & Genealogy Center, 510 W. Water Street, Suite 210, Troy.

July 4, 1976 was a day of celebration for the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States. All sorts of bicentennial events took place in 1976. Terrell was the Chair of the Troy American Bicentennial Commission, but he didn’t live to see his work to completion.

Councilman Frank Prouty became Mayor of Troy following Terrell’s death. Today in downtown Troy, Prouty Plaza can be found at the northwest corner of the Public Square. Places named for the two mayors who served back-to-back are now located side-by-side on the Public Square.



The historical marker for the fountain is located on the south side facing South Market Street. It can only be accessed, however, when the Public Square is closed for an event such as the Strawberry Festival. Fifty years ago, when America turned 200, the fountain was given Mayor Terrell’s name. As America turns 250, let us once again remember the fountain has his name.

Courtesy of Judy Deeter

Courtesy of Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau

America-250 Celebration at the Miami County Courthouse

Miami County will host a Community Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, on the south side of the Miami County Courthouse. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with food trucks and live music, followed by a program featuring community and state leaders, patriotic music, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The evening’s highlight will be the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 6:00 p.m., as it was read in 1776, led by members of the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution in period-accurate costumes.

Additional activities will include a symbolic courthouse bell ringing called “The Thirteen Strikes,” a musket demonstration, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new historic display at the courthouse, and courthouse tours. Live music on the courthouse plaza will continue throughout the evening until approximately 8:00 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public. Limited seating will be available; attendees are encouraged to bring chairs.

Residents are encouraged to attend and take part in this community-wide event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation!

Courtesy of Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau

Courtesy of Google Images

Miami County Independence Day Parade

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a hometown tradition as the Miami County Independence Day Parade returns to downtown Troy on Saturday, July 4.

The annual parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. and feature a festive procession of community organizations, local businesses, patriotic displays, and more as residents gather to celebrate Independence Day.

The parade route will start in front of Troy High School before making its way around the historic downtown square. From there, participants will continue west on Main Street toward the Troy-Miami County Public Library, providing plenty of opportunities for spectators to line the streets and enjoy the celebration.

The Independence Day Parade has long been a highlight of the holiday in Miami County, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors for a morning of patriotic pride and community spirit.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure a viewing spot along the route and help kick off a day of Fourth of July festivities.

Courtesy of Bravo

Courtesy of the Local History and Genealogy Center

Summer Stroll: Troy's Southwest Historic District

Troy’s Southwest Historic District is filled with beautiful homes and stunning architectural details, but what stories lie behind their doors? Join us for a walking tour on July 14th, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (rain date July 16th) as we lift the curtain on some of the forgotten people and moments that shaped this charming neighborhood. Discover the lives, legacies, and hidden histories that make these houses more than just landmarks.

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, and feel free to bring a water bottle. We’ll meet at the public parking lot at the northwest corner of Franklin and Cherry Streets, behind the Fitness Institute, 101 W Franklin St, Troy.

Courtesy of the Local History and Genealogy Center

Courtesy of the Local History and Genealogy Center

Genealogy Junction

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been researching for years, there’s something new to discover about your family history. Drop in at the Local History & Genealogy Center anytime on Monday, July 20, 4-7 p.m. for tips, advice, hands-on help, and fresh ideas for solving those long-standing genealogy mysteries.

Connect with fellow family history enthusiasts and leave with tools you can use right away in your own research. Bring your laptop or borrow one of ours!

Courtesy of the Local History and Genealogy Center

Courtesy of Piqua History Club

Piqua History Club: Fountain Park

Join the Piqua History Club on Wednesday, July 15th at 6 p.m. at the Schmidlapp Free School Library, 509 N. Main Street, Piqua, for a talk about Fountain Park given by local historian Ronny Westfall. Fountain Park was established in 1874 by the Western Ohio Fair Association to host agricultural fairs. Originally serving as the Western Ohio Fairgrounds, it featured a one-mile horse track and quickly evolved from an agricultural and racing venue into a beloved public city park. This event is free and open to the public.

Courtesy of Piqua History Club