Water fountain honors Charlie Kretsinger
Six members of the Kretsinger family met Thursday, April 25 to pose
behind the fountain in front of the Fort honoring Idyllwild plumbing
patriarch Charlie Kretsinger. Brian, Stacy, Griffin, Kinsey, Chuck and
Jackie were joined by Charlie Clayton, the expert mason who constructed
the fountain’s stone base, and members of the Idyllwild Water District
(IWD), including Interim General Manager Curt Sauer, Office
Administrator Tyla Wheeler and Water Operator Brian Wilson.
pose at the water fountain honoring Charlie Kretsinger. Photo by David
Jerome
The fountain was first put into service in April 1996, marking 10 years
since the passing of Charlie Kretsinger. Charlie began plumbing houses
in Idyllwild in the 1930s, and was a charter member of the Idyllwild
Lion’s Club, which began in 1947. For over 60 years, the Lions were one
of the most important organizations on the Hill, encouraging local men
of business to be involved in the betterment of their community. Charlie
also participated in the many little rituals and bits of amateur
theatrics that enlivened the town’s cultural life, including tree
lightings, community campfires and Town Hall productions.
The fountain has been maintained by Charlie’s grandson Brian, who shuts
it down each winter and wakes it up again each spring, providing good
IWD water to residents, tourists and through-hikers alike, year after
year. The water is provided gratis by IWD.
Brian is the third generation of Kretsingers to serve plumbing needs of
the community, and his son, Griffin, confirmed to the Crier that he is
keeping up the tradition. Brian notes that Griffin has been helping with
the fountain, so that also will flow into the future.
