Mural location may delay quick start

This conceptual drawing shows what muralist Dennis Holliday plans to do in a 60-by-20-foot space. The mural will focus on the town's railroad history, including the pump house, depot, water tower, caboose, the 1858 Union Pacific Central Hotel, several eras of engines and the historic tree at the park.
This conceptual drawing shows what muralist Dennis Holliday plans to do in a 60-by-20-foot space. The mural will focus on the town's railroad history, including the pump house, depot, water tower, caboose, the 1858 Union Pacific Central Hotel, several eras of engines and the historic tree at the park.

The first mural in the hoped-for set of 10, supported by the California Progress Inc., is ready in concept.

The nonprofit approved the concept drawing April 19 by Jefferson City muralist Dennis Holliday.

However, the selected location on the Moniteau County Library's north wall will cause a delay.

Gail Hughes also presented Holliday's concept drawing to the Moniteau County Library District board.

He proposed painting of the 60-by-20-foot mural to begin in the next few weeks.

Although the library board was in favor of the mural being located on the north exterior brick, they took no action.

At the same library board meeting, they reviewed a building assessment, which recommended some exterior improvements.

The library board appointed a committee to review the recommendations. And board members agreed, any structural work required for that wall should be completed before the mural work begins.

Hughes provided the board with background on the project, using Chilicothe, Cuba and Cape Girardeau as examples of other communities which have used murals and a destination enticement.

Holliday's mural, which focuses on the town's railroad history, features the pump house, depot, water tower, caboose, the 1858 Union Pacific Central Hotel, several eras of engines and the historic tree at the park.

The painting project will take about 60 days, Hughes said. And the California Progress Inc. is eager to see the work begin soon.

The mural would be sealed, so that it would not require maintenance for at least 10 years. And a contract between the location owner and California Progress Inc. would clarify the latter would be responsible for the maintenance.

The library board members suggested a brochure or a sign, would be helpful to provide the historical background for each of the featured items in the mural.