The Priley Fountain, is a feature of the Civic Center that draws residents, downtown workers, and visitors. Joseph Carl Priley (1902-1981), born in Duluth, was elected in 1953 to the office of Finance Commissioner of the City of Duluth. He was elected Second District County Commissioner in 1958, serving until his retirement in December 1974. "Petunia Joe" instituted a civic beautification program which received national attention and a letter of appreciation from Lady Bird Johnson. On July 26, 1970, Mayor Ben Boo dedicated the courthouse fountain and circular drive to Mr. Priley for his courthouse flower gardens. He was also a well known musician, playing the viola in the Duluth symphony. In 1986, Duluth city officials announced they would extend the streetscape project to include the Civic Center. The $900,000 project involved paving Priley Drive and the sidewalks with bricks, renovating the fountain, and planting trees and shrubs.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections
The Priley Fountain, is a feature of the Duluth Civic Center that draws residents, downtown workers, and visitors. Joseph Carl Priley (1902-1981), born in Duluth, was elected in 1953 to the office of Finance Commissioner of the City of Duluth. He was elected Second District County Commissioner in 1958, serving until his retirement in December 1974. "Petunia Joe" instituted a civic beautification program which received national attention and a letter of appreciation from Lady Bird Johnson. On July 26, 1970, Mayor Ben Boo dedicated the courthouse fountain and circular drive to Mr. Priley for his courthouse flower gardens. He was also a well known musician, playing the viola in the Duluth symphony. In 1986, Duluth city officials announced they would extend the streetscape project to include the Civic Center. The $900,000 project involved paving Priley Drive and the sidewalks with bricks, renovating the fountain, and planting trees and shrubs.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kathryn A. Martin Library, Northeast Minnesota Historical Collections