See the water fountain in this photo?

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Over the decades, the Lobertini family has a rich tradition of helping make La Follette what it is today. WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares a Lobertini feature that you just might not know about.

Though today’s Throwback Thursday photo features the Russell Hotel, it is the water fountain we’re showcasing. See the fountain in the foreground? That’s on the corner of East Central and North Tennessee Avenues.

Back in the 1930s, Leo and Frank Lobertini installed several drinking fountains around town. The other fountains were said to have been up North Tennessee Avenue near the Royal Lunch and Billiards (The Pool Room) and over on First Street.

Leo and Frank also started the City Ice Company located on First Street. The Lobertinis provided ice for the local restaurants and stores. If you had an ice box at your home in those days, they would even deliver ice to your home. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/05/2021-6AM-PHOTO COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)