Maybell Fountain
Photo Credit: Facebook @RVAActiveAgingWeek
About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Maybell Fountain
Maybell Fountain was a dedicated community advocate and volunteer in her neighborhood just off of Midlothian Turnpike.
Born in Hampton, South Carolina, Maybell Fountain settled in the Richmond area in 1950 with her husband, Joseph. The couple purchased a plot of land off of what is now known as Midlothian Turnpike, which was a simple dirt road at that time. After initially living in a shack made from reclaimed wood, the Fountains built the house of their dreams with their own hands on the property. Maybell Fountain was instrumental to the naming of the street she lived on as her suggestion was ultimately selected for what would become Carnation Street — earning her the nickname "Ms. Carnation" from those in the community.
Through her work with nonprofits like Project:HOMES and volunteer efforts with many organizations, Maybell Fountain was greatly involved with her fellow neighbors and residents in enriching their neighborhood and community.
Designation Area:
The 100 and 200 blocks of Carnation Street, in honor of Maybell Fountain.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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