 The fountain was also noteworthy in that it took up a large amount of space for something that was entirely aesthetic, communal, and non-commercial.By the mid-80s, the fountain, along with Howlands, had disappeared and was replaced various kiosks and shops.Methuen, being a border city of New Hampshire, has always been at a disadvantage due to New Hampshire's 0% sales tax, compared to Massachusetts's 5.0% (now 6.25%) sales tax.