A century ago, before the widespread use of gasoline-powered trucks, hundreds of horses and mules pulled heavy wagons loaded with farm products to Ridgely, a major agricultural center for the processing and shipping of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. The needs of these wagon animals, especially for drinking water, stirred the sympathy of the young women and girls of the community, who in April 1914 formed the Forget-me-not Band of Mercy to buy a large multi-user drinking fountain. A public appeal declared that Ridgely badly needed a drinking trough because strangers passing through town had to seek water in back yards and other private places for their horses, while automobilists also struggled to find water for their "horses." Under the charge of Alice Pendleton and Irene Neff, and with assistance from Mrs. L.M. Pearsaul, the group planned a carnival for July 2, 1914, with booths, a country store, a fish pond, fortune telling, and automobile rides for 5 cents to raise funds. On May 15, 1915, the dedication of the cast-iron fountain drew a large crowd that heard speeches and sang "Maryland, My Maryland" with the Ridgely Band, and as the ceremony ended, an old horse named General became the first to drink to loud cheers.