The Fire Hydrant Painting Project began in South Bend in 1976 as part of the City's Bicentennial Celebration of the American Revolution.  Mrs. Ruth Von Karowsky, a local artist, saw hydrants in another US city that had been painted to represent important figures in the American Revolution.  Mrs. Von Karowsky drew all of South Bend's designs based on uniforms worn by soldiers in the war.

In 1987, the Project was revived for the Bicentennial of our Constitution.  The project continues today, through refurbishing old hydrants and painting new ones, to keep the fireplugs, decorated with historic figures, in pristine condition.

In 2005, Studio Arts Center, at 805 Lincolnway West, partnered with the City to provide a space to assemble and distribute the paint kits to the community.  Fire Hydrant Paint Kits are available by contacting the Communications & Special Projects Office at 235-7590.

FIND YOUR HYDRANT STYLE

Project Guidelines

• The Bicentennial designs have been approved under City ordinance, and no other designs (mascots, animals, etc.) are permitted to be painted on hydrants within the South Bend City Limits.
• If the hydrant is not on or in front of your property, please be sure to contact the property owner or nearest neighbor for their agreement before painting the hydrant.
• Designs are based on general hydrant styles, or shapes – please check the style of your hydrant before picking up kit, so that we know what designs to offer you!  If you do not know the style of your hydrant, or cannot find a matching style, you may adapt any of the designs you wish for your hydrant – this may take some creativity!
• In order to paint a hydrant, outdoor temperatures must be above 60 F, for several consecutive days.  As a general rule, painting should be done during the months of May – October, depending on weather conditions.
• Kits contain the following:
  -  Paint
  -  Instructions
  -  Bicentennial designs
• Volunteers are asked to provide the following:
  -  Wire or stiff bristle brush and mild detergent, to clean dirt, rust, and loose paint from the hydrant
  -  Pencil to sketch basic design onto hydrant
  -  Paint brushes
  -  Newspaper or dropcloth to protect sidewalk or lawn
  -  Mineral spirits to clean brushes, hands, and splashed or dribbled paint
  -  Enthusiasm & imagination!

This is a great project for neighbors, student groups, senior organizations, or anyone who would like to exercise their creativity to help make South Bend a Clean and attractive City!