Future home of Cameron’s train mural
The stark white wall on the east side of Lily Anna’s Home and Garden shop, on the corner of Third and Walnut Streets, is a muralists’ dream. This site will be home to Cameron’s first mural, depicting why Cameron is here: locomotives and agriculture. The mural will feature an agricultural scene with an exact replica of the first steam engine to ever come though Cameron. The locomotive will be facing southwest, as if it is pulling into the Depot Museum.
According to Dr. Nada Woodworth, local residents have been posting on social media and forums about the need to beautify Cameron. On one of her bi-weekly trips to Chillicothe, she noticed the murals.
“I wondered why Cameron doesn’t have a mural,” said Woodworth, “We need a mural.”
Woodworth then contacted Pat Jones. Jones said she had been thinking the same thing and offered her support to Woodworth. Two weeks later, Jones contacted Woodworth with photos of the two murals in Hamilton. She asked Hamilton locals who had done the murals and provided Woodworth with the name, address and phone number of the muralist, Kelly Poling. This mural will be Poling’s 54th mural in a 100 mile radius.
“Jones and I discussed buildings,” said Woodworth. “Lily Anna’s was brought up and Mignon [Lily Anna’s owner] said she would not have a problem having that painted. Then, we arraigned a meeting with Kelly, Drew Bontrager, Pat, Mignon and I.”
Mignon Brock-Wilson said she is delighted with the project and thinks it will be great for Cameron and the businesses.
“I think it will be a great attraction,” said Brock-Wilson. “Poling does a great job and it brings tourist into town. People go to Chillicothe to view the murals and they shop and eat in their restaurants. I am really excited about this project.”
After presenting the project to the City Council, the city decided they would fund the project through the Community Project Fund. The fund will cover the $10,000 cost of the mural. Cameron Regional Medical Center also donated $1,000 to cover the down payment and any travel or unforeseen expenses Poling may face. Poling will start the project at the end of April or start of May, finishing in 10 to 14 days weather permitting.
