Caledonia Argus

Mural depicts old street scene

Posted: 5/18/04

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

A piece of history has been painted on the south side of the Ellingson Chevrolet building at the northwest corner of Kingston and Main.

Mike Pierce of Caledonia finished the line sketch a couple weeks ago. Itís a reproduction of a photo taken from that same corner nearly 100 years ago.

A cutline of that photo, which appeared in a Caledonia history book, said it was taken on April 23, 1908, possibly Easter Sunday.

Pierce first drew a rough sketch of the photo, then approached some people from the Houston County Historical Society with his idea for the painting. He also suggested making a print of his sketch that could be sold to raise money fo the historical society. They liked the idea. He got permission from Chuck Ellingson to use his building.

The scene, which was done using black paint, has a three dimensional look, because it is framed by blocks that stick out from the cement block wall.

He had 900 copies of the sketch printed at cost from his place of employment, Hal Leonard Publishing in Winona. The prints are for sale for $10 each, with all proceeds going to the historical society and Sesquicentennial committee. Each print is numbered and signed. Contact him at 724-1043 for more information.

The project was a good fit for Pierce. ìIím big into history, so this is something I wanted to do,î he said.

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