This month we’ve decided to feature one our clients and their innovative use of mobile technology. We hope this can be a resource to learn more about other cultural institutions and how they have implemented digital strategies to reach out to visitors.
This month’s article goes to ……….San Angelo Historic Murals!!!
Some great things are happening on the streets of San Angelo, Texas. Amazing stories, history, past lives and events are painted on the walls of San Angelo’s downtown; a beautiful public art display of colorful murals that keeps the past alive today for visitors.
But what’s the story behind many of these murals? Well San Angelo provides in-depth information from members of the community, the artists themselves, and local experts to shed light on the rich history behind these pieces of art with a fun, dynamic walking tour available on your cell phone.
Hear for yourself by calling: (325-201-9037) and then choose a number 1 – 9 followed by the # sign.
San Angelo even has a fun, interactive website with a cool magnifying lens that lets you zoom up close into the murals and get a more detailed peak. What little hidden secrets can you uncover?
Give it a try! Click on the photo below and try to find the “Welcome” sign hidden in the mural.
Description: The 200 block of South Chadbourne in 1908 had 30 merchants listed in the telephone book which was the first one published in San Angelo. The streets were paved with wood blocks approximately 4” x 4” x 12” which were placed on end to provide the pavement for traffic which at the time included horses, wagons, early vintage automobiles and the street car you see in the mural. Initials you see on some blocks were put there by attendees at the ribbon cutting. The street car was established to take potential buyers to the new Lakeview development where large lots and acreage were being sold.
You have to agree that the colors and the technique used on these walls are amazing; you can barely notice the gaps made by the bricks, and even that, gives them an organic and natural texture.
We had the opportunity to talk to Susan at Historical Murals of San Angelo, Texas and she gave us a little update on future projects “ In 2010, you can expect to enjoy several more beautiful, bigger-than-life sized pictures of the Past, painted on buildings in the heart of downtown San Angelo, TX. Next year, will prove to be the busiest yet for Historic Murals of San Angelo. Four stunning outdoor murals are expected to be completed–each colorfully recounting people, places and events of the Past that helped make San Angelo and surrounding areas what they are today”.
Description: The 503 Iron Horse was one of the first trains to stop at the depot according to another historian & photographer, Allen Johnston. The engineer and fireman on the mural train are T.A. Jones and A.J. Jones (not related) who operated similar engines in the mid 60’s and 70’s. The gentlemen waiting on the trunks are from a photo belonging to Helen Arthur Fenton, a native San Angeloan whose father was a conductor. Most of the people on the train are people Crystal thought of as she painted their faces. Rick Smith, a Standard Times Columnist who wrote about the mural is in the front row as a passenger making notes.
It is so amazing to see photos of the past and imagine what it was life like back then. What people were thinking about at that time? What were their goals in life? And what they would think of our society right now?
Just by looking at them, the engine of your imagination turns on and all these questions start to come up.
So if you are into traveling, art, and history we recommend you to check out the murals of San Angelo, Texas who seem to be doing amazing things in order to preserve their city. What better way to celebrate your city’s past by sharing its history with the public with an innovative twist of mobile technology.
Call (325-201-9037) and then choose a number 1 – 9 and press the # sign to hear for yourself!
