Tom Burchell: MID, American Crane helped Burchells retrieve some memories

Re “Burchell Fountain gave the city character, beauty” (Page 1D, Aug. 7): As part of the third generation of Burchells who grew up in Modesto, I want to compliment the employees of Modesto Irrigation District and American Crane for their willingness to help my family preserve a part of their legacy and Modesto’s heritage. Thanks especially to Steve Austin and John Davids of MID for stepping in and offering some of the boulders to our family from the recent dismantling of Burchell fountain.

When my grandparents donated the money to help beautify the city by providing a monument, we thought it would be a permanent structure. As time went by, and progress refused to incorporate the fountain, the need for the city to use that portion of land along Briggsmore became apparent. With the help of MID, Steve and John volunteered their time and materials to provide a crane, three trucks and four employees to move 13 of the boulders to our family nursery and a family ranch in Oakdale. The MID crew and American Crane was helpful, friendly and willing to place the boulders as we wanted them, all without a charge!

Next time you drive by Burchell Nursery on Wamble Road and Highway 108, look for the boulders from the Burchell fountain and recall how they graced that beautiful fountain for 43 years. We plan to keep them and enjoy them for generations to come!

This story was originally published August 17, 2016 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Tom Burchell: MID, American Crane helped Burchells retrieve some memories."