Today I’m joining Thursday Doors, hosted by Norm Frampton, by sharing photos of a fun + unique building that we stumbled upon in a Cincinnati suburban park.
I’ve not seen anything like this before, both the building and the doors on the building that have doors painted on them. It’s a double door, double door extravaganza. Or something like that.
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On a whim we stopped at a new-to-us park called Home of The Brave Park. This 54-acre park, established in 2012, is located in Symmes Township, Hamilton County, OH.
Along with sports fields, playgrounds, a shelter, and a veterans plaza, this park has a building unlike any other I’ve seen around here. It’s painted on all four sides to explain the history of the township, one side focusing on the man who founded the township.
A fast Google search lead me to the life story of John Cleves Symmes, the man featured on one side of the building. In a nutshell he was a rich NY/NJ Revolutionary War dude who came west to Ohio to make his fortune by selling land that he did, and did not, own to settlers moving this way.
He’s credited for naming many places around here, and is also the father-in-law of President William Henry Harrison [#9] and grandfather of President Benjamin Harrison [#23].
And with that, here are the photos of the exterior of the building.
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DOUBLE DOORS on the front of the building.
• • •
The side of the building where the image of John Cleves Symmes dominates.
• • •
The back of the building showing a melange of images that apparently summarize this township.
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The fourth side of the building.
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A closer look at the FRONT DOOR DOUBLE DOORS on which a FRONT DOOR and a GARAGE DOOR are painted, hence creating a double door, double door extravaganza.
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What a fun building, and very well done. I like the bright colors, and the obvious humor of the person or group that did the painting. The woman walking the dog in the last photo looks like she’s wearing a bath towel.
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shoreacres, I was charmed by this building which to me seemed to just appear out of nowhere. Laughing at your observation about the woman in the bath towel. Especially considering she’s walking above “Est. 1824” which makes no sense to me, but *hey* it’s whimsy.
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hahaha! I hadn’t noticed the ‘bath towel’. Good eye 😆
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Very interesting. That was a lot of work to paint!
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Kate, I thought the same thing. This took an artist with a lot of patience.
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It is a fun and colorful building, not the typical American memorial style. Reminds me a little of the bright South African murals another blogger photographs.
I swear, only in the U.S. do we forgive and venerate con men.
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And celebrate outlaws and gangsters. I suspect we’ll come back to this topic in the future.
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AutumnAshbough, it does look a little like some of the photos I’ve seen of South African murals. Excellent point.
Yes, about the con men. I read about this dude’s life and thought it could be a story from today. 🙄
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What a fun find! The art is charming and I especially love the concept of doors on doors. I must say it has me thinking that perhaps I want to draw people on my people. 🙂
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Deborah, yes, yes– draw people on your people! Why not? I thought the whole building was remarkable– and cheerful.
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Quite a colorful melange of scenes ~ side 3 seems to depict oranges growing on trees . . . in Ohio?
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Possibly persimmons, once abundant in the area.
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Nancy, Z-D is right about the persimmons. In fact we had an old persimmon tree on this property that was still producing when we first moved here. It died a few years ago of old age, I guess.
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Gotcha. I have never seen a persimmon tree.
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They’re not much to look at but back in history their fruit was prized. Not so much now.
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These are great, ABean! You know, these photos would make terrific jigsaw puzzles.
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Jill, you are right! These would make a fabulous jigsaw puzzle. I’ve no idea who painted this building but it is a sight to behold– and totally unexpected.
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This is a cool little building. Lots to see. Love the colors and scenes. I had not heard of Symmes. Interesting. I wonder if his family discussed politics at family gatherings. How could they not?
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Ernie, I have to believe all they discussed was politics– and business as it related to politics– and real estate as it related to politics. He was significant in this region’s growth and connected to U.S. Presidents, obviously.
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How fun is that! Bright and cheerful is just what we need these days.
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River, I couldn’t believe what we’d found in this park, yet once I started snapping photos I wondered why there aren’t more whimsical building like this in parks. So cheerful.
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Great photography and great post. The odd little building does capture the local history.
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Z-D, you’re right. It’s a great summary of this area, past and present. Plus it’s memorable. Yay us for going into the park to explore.
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That’s a wonderful idea, and brilliantly done
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I. J. Khanewala, I’m glad you liked it. The building caught my eye with it’s colorful vibe.
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I like the cheery building and how it celebrates local history – even if Symmes may not be the best role model.
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Eilene, I agree with your take on this. Dude was bit underhanded, same as it ever was– but the little building is great so I’ll groove on it.
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How charming!
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Thanks, Sheree. It was unexpected and I gotta say a darned cute find.
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Always the best sort
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I love the colors. So pretty and vibrant. I hope you’re feeling better. 🙂
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Kari, I thought it was great because of the colors. Also, who knew it was there? Feeling much better, thanks.
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I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery. 😘
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Thanks
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It looks a lot like a Charles Wysocki puzzle! Which I love by the way…
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Having just looked up Charles Wysocki puzzles, you’re right Deb. It is very much like his work. Maybe the inspiration for all I know.
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I like all the paintings, great!
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Thanks! They are something colorful if nothing else.
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Someone had a lot of fun painting these Ms. Bean!
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I thought the same thing, Dorothy. So cheerful and well done. The detail is amazing.
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Well, Mr. Symmes sounds like a bit of a rascal, doesn’t he?
Beautifully painted building – thanks for sharing!
Deb
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Deb, yes Symmes doesn’t exactly seem like a forthright man, but he did influence a lot of things around here. I love the building regardless.
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That’s a fascinating and beautiful place. I’ve been to several cities where murals on buildings are prevalent (Seward, Montreal, etc.) but never seen a whole building as a work of art.
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Margaret, I’ve never seen anything like this building either. If one side had been painted it’d have been cute, but to have the whole building covered in murals is definitely a work of art.
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I googled the building and see it was painted in 2019 by artist Lucie Rice. The community voted on the design (they had 2 choices). She is from Nashville, TN. Here is her website: https://www.wescover.com/creator/lucie-rice-illustration-and-design
She has done lots of murals! Quite the artist!
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Ellen D, thanks for doing this research. I didn’t even think to figure out who the artist was, being overly focused on Mr. Symmes. This artist is wonderful. I love her work and am happy to know she has art elsewhere.
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The artistry is amazing; love the vibrant colors. You might be tongue-tied if you tried to say double door, double door, double door several times.
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Suz, I thought the building was amazing, too. Especially since it’s just sitting between ball fields and parking lots in a normal suburban park. I agree that ‘double door, double door’ is a tongue twister, yet that’s what it is.
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I enjoyed your double door extravaganza. That is a striking building!
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Anne, I’m glad you liked. It’s quite a building plopped down in the middle of a lovely ordinary park.
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Great historic images on this building, but done in a modern way. I like it! Slowly came back last week to blog land after a few months of no wifi (hubby had a job in a no-wifi-area at 4000 feet till Aug. 20, and then we moved to Austin, Texas). If you commented in June or after, I apologized, but that was the reason:) Hope you are doing well? Jesh
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Dr. Junieper, I like your description of this building: history presented in a modern way. It was a great find in a lovely, but ordinary, suburban park.
Happy to know you’re back to blogging. I figure everyone makes their own rules when it comes to blogging so if someone doesn’t respond to my comments, I just shrug and try again. [Until it’s clear that they’ve no interest in moi.]
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Such beautiful, colorful building! Thank you for sharing! 😊
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Nanchi.blog, it’s a pretty building and that artwork on it is astounding. History done brightly.
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What an amazing, colorful place! Love it! It must be well maintained.
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L. Marie, the building was in perfect condition. It was such a surprise to find it when we did so I had to take pics of it. Had to, I tell you!
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wow, fabulous!
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Thanks!
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Very cool – pops of color from all sides!
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Marian, I agree. It was a great find in a rather pleasant ordinary park.
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So bright, fun, and festive!
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Betsy, it really is. I’m amazed by it and happy that we turned into the park to see what we could see.
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Generally a good call. 🙂
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I agree. Must explore the wilds of suburbia!
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Heehee.
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I don’t really have anything to say that hasn’t already been said. I just want to be a cool kid. And to spend my afternoon playing with watercolors instead of working.
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Rita, you made me laugh out loud. Thank you. Your comment clearly demonstrates you are a cool kid who knows how to make her own fun.
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What a discovery! Thank you for sharing with all your readers. I love it.
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Gwen, I’m glad you liked the photos. I had no idea this building existed but once I saw it I knew it’d make a great Thursday Doors post.
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That is one colorful building. I love it!
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Swinged Cat, yes it is. So happy to have stumbled upon it. Parks, you gotta love ’em.
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and Recreation, too. Gotta love that.
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Well said. Totally agree. We’ve been watching it on Netflix. Funny stuff.
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What a great and very colorful find, Ally! Thanks for including the historical information. Might be a bit difficult to locate the doors until you got up close and personal. 🙂
janet
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Janet, I didn’t realize how interesting the doors were until I walked up to take a pic, then I immediately knew that I had to share them as part of Norm’s challenge.
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Well, I can easily say this is one of the coolest buildings I’ve ever seen, and applaud the artist(s). Thanks for showing a closeup because I couldn’t for the life of me see the door. 🙂
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Judy, I didn’t see the doors at first either. While Z-D sat in the car I walked around the building taking photos. When I saw the doors on the doors I knew I’d hit the holy grail of Thursday Door pics.
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Holy grail is right. 🙂
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I wonder if Norm gives extra credit? 😉
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What a cook painted building! So fun to come upon something as unique and whimsical as this.
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Kathy, this building stands out, for sure. The colors are so vibrant. Neat way to explain history.
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Awesome
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LA, that it is. A fun find.
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Mind…blown! 😀
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It’s something to behold, I agree.
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The covered wagon near the electric meter on the John Cleves Symmes side is a nice contrast of time periods…
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evilsquirrel13, yes it is. On the back of the building I especially like the persimmons beside the barn + silo. The fruit is about the same size as the buildings. Kind of wacko, kind of fun.
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What a cool building, Ally! I especially like the front door painted on the door. Very clever!
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Donna, I thought the same thing. It’s a cool building and with murals on all four sides it’s unlike any I’ve ever seen. I’m glad we stumbled over it.
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What fun doors inside those doors. That’s a crazy building, but I like it. It must stand out in that park from a far distance.
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Dan, the building is very noticeable in the park. The park is lovely, well kept, but normal– then there is this bright and fun building that seems to appear out of nowhere. Just sitting there, looking cheerful.
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Symmes of Symmes Township sounds like an interesting person – I wonder what he would have thought of all those bright colors on the building honoring his memory… The artwork is beautiful and I agree with Deb, it does look very much like a Charles Wysocki puzzle.
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Barbara, from what I can tell about Mr. Symmes if there was an angle he could exploit he was all for it. Thus I’d say that he’d like building! About him. 🙄
I wasn’t aware of Wysocki’s work but when I looked at it, I realized Deb was right. Very similar.
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Fun!
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I know! What a find, eh?
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What a fun colorful discovery. The doors are perfect but I love the way they wrapped the whole building with the artwork; usually it’s just one face.
“Rich revolutionary war dude” is a phrase we should all use more often 😀
I wonder if Mr. Symmes put together the seed capital for his Ohio venture by selling bridges he didn’t own back in NY/NJ.
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Norm, the building is cheerful and unique. It stopped us as we drove by because it was totally unexpected and then to find the double doors with double doors on them was great. As for where or how Mr. Symmes got his funds I could not say, but my brief research about him suggests that he wasn’t above bending the truth.
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I’m doubly charmed by these lovely photos Ally Bean, thank you for bringing a smile my way. Symmes seems like a dude double time ..
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Susan, nicely said. Symmes is one of those forefathers who may, or may not, have been a good role model– and we’ll never know for sure. Still, the building in his honor is cool.
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What a fun building! I love how colorful it is. Double-double fun. 🙂
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Robin, yes! You said it. The building is unique but when it comes to doors it does not disappoint.
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Love the double door, double door mural. Who knew history could be so much fun?
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Laurie, exactly. I loved this unusual building and the artwork was perfect. The double door, double doors was fun to discover. When we pulled into this park to explore we had no idea.
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What a fun and colorful building!
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Brenda, it really is colorful. Quite eye-catching.
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The whole building is one big series of interrelated murals. I love the bright, cheerful colors. Did you go inside?
It’s funny. When you get into local history, many of the founders and town fathers are rogues.
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Nicki, the building is a maintenance building for the park, so no look inside. But the outside was amazing, obviously. You’re right about local history. Not really surprised that Mr. Symmes was perhaps not always ethical but I was surprised by his direct connection to 2 early presidents. Not sure what to make of that.
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I suppose it was a smaller community in those days. Maybe it sometimes seemed that everyone was related to everyone. That’s all I can think of.
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Makes sense. That’d explain it.
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Fabulous building from every side. From a distance you can’t see the real doors.
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Jean, I only knew where the doors were because of the overhang. Then when I walked up close and saw the double doors with doors painted on them, I was tickled. I knew this would be a good contribution to Norm’s Thursday Doors.
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Wow…it’s very colorful and kind of folkartsy. I like it.
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Joni, I liked the building, too. It’s a good way to show history without getting too deep about it.
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I live in Harrison County, which was named after William Henry Harrison! In my family, that makes us kin, since you’ve been to a town with a connection to the same guy!
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Marian, I take your point. I suppose at one time that was the truth of it. 😊
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This is beautifully written 🤩
I enjoyed every bit of it and your writing style is just amazing…
I also have a blog… Don’t forget to check it out… Make sure you like and follow too
Thanks and more power to you!!
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Thanks, Anjali. This building was something out of the ordinary. Gotta love a bit of whimsy.
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Yay!
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I love how bright and cheerful that building is – and I had a chuckle at him selling land that he didn’t own!
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Katie, the story of this man and this building were such a fun find. Local history writ large, literally.
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Hi ally
I think street art has come a long way and this art you stated for a Ford post was colorful and well done
And this is timely for me – I just watched a documentary about “Banksy” and it showed the evolution of street art from
NYC in the 80s to
Now having the public appreciate street art – like
Your post shows
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Yvette, I’d not thought about the evolution of street art, but I’m sure there has been one. This building was cheerful and accurate– and unexpected. Gotta love it.
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😉
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An interesting and fun post…love it!
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Thanks, Teresa. It is a cool little building.
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What a colorful building! I’m always impressed by what it takes to create a painting on that large of a scale.
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Amy, I know what you mean. How do you even envision a project this large, let alone how do you wrap the artwork around the whole building? It was a great find.
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