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Town of Stony Plain

mural guide

Stony Plain Public ArtMurals & StatuesThe Town of Stony Plain initiated the Murals Collection in1989 to preserve and celebrate the community's richheritage.

Designed by artists from across Canada, and rangingin size and scope, the murals and statues are awonderful tribute to Stony Plain's past.

Each year, more than 100 horse and wagon, busand walking tours are coordinated through theMulticultural Heritage Centre (www.multicentre.org).We invite you to join us in celebrating our community’s legacy through art.

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DRIVE THRU TIMEJames Mackay – Carvel, AB • 240 sq.ft., 2007

Main Street Stony Plain was a bustling place in the 1950s. Wing’s Café (on the west sideof Main Street) was a popular spot for families to enjoy a hamburger and milkshake on aSunday afternoon. Some prominent business owners feat ured in this mural include: J.H.“Decker” Kulak and Val Kotch (D & V General Store). Garnie & Ruth Yost are depictedunderneath the John Deere sign. Viktor Hochdorfer, owner of Bud’s Men's Wear – from1954 to 2007 – is pictured enjoying his lunch at Wing's Café.

CELEBRATEROTARYKaren Blanchet – Legal, AB 204 sq.ft., 2005

2005 marked the 100thAnniversary of RotaryInternational. Founded by PaulHarris in Chicago in 1905, Rotarypromotes community serviceprojects and ethical standards inbusiness. Today, there are morethan 1.2 million men and womenwho are members of more than34,000 Rotary clubs in 200countries united under the banner“Service Above Self.” The StonyPlain Rotary Club is committed toprograms and improve mentswithin Stony Plain and on aninternational level.

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ALONG THE FIFTHWei Luan – Edmonton, AB • 1100 sq. ft., 1997

Since 1900, the Fifth Meridian has been animportant transportation link in and through thecommunity. The coming of the railway impacted thecommunity in many ways. It prompted the re-location of the original townsite, contributed toimproved commun ication and led to flourishinglocal business enterprises and the establishment oftrade. This mural highlights some of the manyevents and people who have contributed to thecommunity’s rich heritage.

BRIDGING THE GAP FOR PEACEKeith Holmes – Galiano Island, BC • 320 sq.ft., 2006

From the Great War to present day, and from Vimy Ridge to Kandahar, theRoyal Canadian Legion honours the men and women who serve – and haveserved - our country. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, constabulary and peace keepers –we remember these people as heros for helping to bridge the gap for peace.

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Main Street is bustling, as farmers bring various products to the grain elevators and thefeed mill. Families spend time visiting friends and shopping – a tradition still carried ontoday. The bottom part of this mural depicts the east side of Main Street between 1911and the 1920s, while the top image shows life on the west side of Main Street in the1940s and 1950s. There are more than 50 local citizens featured in this mural. Howmany do you recognize?

MILLING ON MAINGordon E. Johnston – Stony Plain, AB • 525 sq. ft., 1999

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l7THE FIRST PEOPLEJohn Langeveld – Calgary, AB • 1080 sq. ft., 1992

The land that we now know as Alberta has been inhabited by First Nations people forat least 10,000 years. The Stony Indians’ camp was situated in the Glory Hills, withtee-pee entrances facing east to greet the rising sun each morning. Symbolicmeanings of colour are reflected on the side of the mural: red symbolizes honesty;green represents Mother Earth; white means wisdom; and yellow signifies the Sun.Blue is symbolic of faith, and Black represents power. “Welcome to Stony Plain” iswritten in Cree syllabics. The sacred Bald Eagle soars above, closest to the Creator. Itis a symbolic messenger, giving strength and freedom, to its people. Wildlife isdepicted because it was a sustaining resource for the people. A sense of peace andharmony emanates from the mural, well-defining the way of life of the “First People.”

EVOLUTION OF ELECTRICITYBrian Romagnoli – Vineland, ON • 1400 sq. ft.,Recommissioned in 2008

This mural highlights nearly a century of electrical powersupply in Alberta, with emphasis on TransAlta, a company thatprovides electricity locally. People depicted in this mural areAnnie Wilken, the first Caucasian child in the region, and JohnArmbruster, Stony Plain’s first power supplier. These citizensare inter spersed with images of the Whitewood Mine and theKeephills Power Plant. TransAlta provides several benefits tothe community, supporting many local programs and murals –including the sponsorship of this mural.

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TOWN ON THE MOVEStan Phelps & the Community • 192 sq.ft., 2008

The Canadian Northern Railway con structed a 19-mile line from Edmonton to StonyPlain. It was completed in 1907; however, it missed Stony Plain by more than a countrymile. Early settlers moved the small community to establish a new town site closer to therailway. Using 20 teams of horses, they rolled the buildings, taking logs from the backand laying them in front of the structure and moved them to the present location ofStony Plain. The Millar Brothers, Jacob Schram and John McDonald are featured in thishistorical conception of the “Town on the Move.”

STRONG ARM OF THE LAWDoug Driediger – Calgary, AB • 794 sq. ft., 1990

Israel Umbach was appointed Stony Plain’s first sheriff, overseer and tax collector. In1907, the Canadian Northern Railway (CN) Company refused to pay its taxes. SheriffUmbach decided to seize and chain the locomotive to the tracks the next time it stoppedin town. He believed this would force the company to pay. The CN paid its overduetaxes, and Sheriff Umbach released the train. This mural depicts Umbach with the chainand padlock used, which he purchased from the Oppertshauser and Sons’ HardwareStore.

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OFMURRAY & ESME BYERSBill Dixon – Sooke, BC • 190 sq. ft., 2000

Between 1939 and 1969, Murray Byers operated Byers’ Drugs on Main Street. TheByers were very involved in the community, from giving away rabbits at Easter tosupplying local teens with thick milk shakes. The Byers touched the lives ofeveryone in the community.

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PRESS RELIEFDavid Ripley –Carvel, AB132 sq. ft., 1991

An inside look at the officeof the Stony Plain Advertiser(1907) reveals the oldprinting press and a glimpseof the front page of one ofthe early issues of thecommunity’s firstnewspaper. This muraldepicts the building as itstood in the 1920s. It wasused until 1965, when it wasreplaced and became thenew home of the StonyPlain Reporter.

THE GENERAL STOREDavid More – Red Deer, AB • 1452 sq. ft., 1990

Jacob Miller’s General Store and Post Office was a significant landmark in Stony Plain formany years. Jacob Miller (large portrait in centre) was a prominent businessman,postmaster and the Town’s second mayor (1909-1912). Beside his portrait on the left isthe post office front as it looked in 1928. The right side of the mural shows the interior ofthe store. The cash system used in the store consisted of a number of pulleys. The clerkswould pulley money up to top floor, where the accountant would make change andpulley the money back down.

MORNING LIGHTStan Phelps – Calgary, AB • 312 sq. ft., 2003

Jacob Schram operated a blacksmith shop at the old townsite in the late1800s; hemoved his business to a new location in 1906. Schram, who is depicted on the left witha helper, was the community’s blacksmith from 1906 to 1915. The mural portrays theview from the blacksmith shop in the early 1900s. Notice the corner Hardware Store andthe steps of the wooden Canadian Bank of Commerce (CIBC) building.

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l16l1528 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIPJames Mackay – Carvel, AB • 130 sq.ft., 2005

This mural, which was created in 2005, is dedicated to the people of Stony Plain andShikaoi, Japan, in honour of 28 years of international friendship between the twocommunities. Former Stony Plain Mayor Donna Cowan and Shikaoi Mayor Yoshida, inpartnership with the public and private school divisions, were instrumental in theformation and growth of the twinning program. Many student and adult delegationshave travelled between Shikaoi and Stony Plain since the program’s inception in 1985.This mural highlights various aspects of Shikaoi’s culture, people and lifestyle.

FOR HOME AND COUNTRYBrian Romagnoli – Lincoln (Beamsville), ON • 195 sq. ft., 2000

This mural depicts the history and personalities of the Stony Plain Women’s Institute –from its inception in 1913 to the present. The crest prominently displays the motto, “ForHome and Country,” and members’ long-time community involve ment is integrated intothe design. From the organization’s foundation by Adelaide Hoodless in Ontario in 1897to today, the Women’s Institute has performed community service in a variety of ways.The Stony Plain Women's Institute is a proud example of dedication and commitmentand is celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2013.

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MAKING AFRIENDWindi Scott-Hansen –

Stony Plain, AB

39 sq. ft., 1991

Joe Zucht built one of StonyPlain's first livery stables in1905. It was located just eastof Main Street. A livery barnwas a place where horseswould be watered, fed andtaken care of, or where onecould rent a horse and buggy.Today’s version of a liverybarn is a garage or anautomotive shop, albeitlacking the uniqueatmosphere.

THE CONNECTION 1906-1963Windi Scott-Hansen – Stony Plain, AB 128 sq. ft., 1991

Shortly after Alberta Government Telephones was founded in 1906, the companyinstalled a telephone office in Stony Plain. Ottilia (Tilly) Zucht (at the switchboard) was13 years old when she became a telephone operator. The exchange was then in theoffice of the local newspaper. The office building of the Stony Plain Advertiser – thecommunity’s first newspaper – is on the west side of Main Street. Ida Smith was chiefoperator from 1923 to 1943. She is portrayed with her daughter Charlotte outside thetelephone exchange. In August 1963, Stony Plain became part of the Edmontonexchange and no longer required a local operator.

EARLY TRADE & COMMERCEJeanine Brod – Leduc, AB 800 sq. ft., 2003

The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)has been a focal point for trade and commerce inStony Plain for more than 100 years. CIBC beganserving clients out of a tent in 1906. Over time, theneeds of customers grew from fur and goldexchange to financial advice, convenience andservice. This mural depicts the evolution of bankingin the community and highlights some of the moreprominent faces of the Stony Plain CIBC.

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MOSAIC OF THE PASTParkland Potters Guild 77 sq. ft., 1991

What might a pioneer family have in its small log cabin? Acloser look at this unique clay mural will give you theanswers. After its initial design in the spring of 1990, each ofthe many artists who worked on this piece was allocated acertain section. The mural was pieced together and erectedin August of 1991.

HARNESSING OUR PASTParkland Potters Guild 70 sq. ft., 1993

The farming community has always played a strong role inthe development of Stony Plain and the surrounding area. Atribute to these pioneers, this mural focuses on the team ofthe early settlers who were behind this growth.

STONY PLAIN - THE FIRST 100 YEARSParkland Potters Guild 80 sq.ft., 2008

This mural was presented to the Town of Stony Plain by theParkland Potters’ Guild on the occasion of the community’sCentennial Celebrations in 2008.

The mural depicts Stony Plain’s progress over its first 100years. Made of clay and stained with oxides, the mural wasfired twice to a temperature of 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.Volunteer Guild members spent one year designing thismural and are proud to present “Stony Plain – The First 100Years” to the community.

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126

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4201 Southpark Drive(McDonalds Restaurant)

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A4815 - 44 Avenue(Rotary Park)

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5801 - 51 Avenue(John Paul II School)

www.stonyplain.com

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18 Fairway

Drive

(Stony Plain Golf Co urse)

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l21MANY FACES, ONE HEARTTim Heimdal – Grande Prairie, AB

1612 sq. ft., Recommissioned in 2004

Citizens – past and present – depicted in this mural arefrom Stony Plain and area. The ethnic backgrounds arerepresented by colourful flags – in honour of the multi -culturalism of the community and to reflect the twinningrelationship between the Town of Stony Plain and theTown of Shikaoi in Japan.

From left to right: Andrew Anderson (Sweden); AlexisWabamun (Kees-kee-chee-chi), a Stony Indian Chief;Philippine Strassburger (Germany); Ross Newell (USA);Stephen Harry Kettle (England); Otto Wilken (Stony Plainarea); Hughie MacKinnon (Scotland); Julia Kotcherofsky-Kulak (Ukraine/ Russia); Jackie Gregorwich (representing“pioneers of tomorrow”); Wong York, the first Chinesecitizen in Stony Plain); Eva Armbruster (Austria-Hungary);and Henry Oppertshauser, Sr. (Germany).

GOODS IN KINDWindi Scott-Hansen – Stony Plain, AB

114 sq. ft., 1991

In the pioneering days, businessmen were often paid with goods, rather than withmoney, for services rendered. F.W. Lundy (with pipe), Stony Plain’s first lawyer, was noexception. Mr. Lundy managed his profession while being actively involved in thecommunity. He was the Town’s first secretary-treasurer (1909-1929) and Stony Plain’sfirst citizen to be elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (MLA)(1917-1921).

l23THE COUNTRYDOCTORTag Kim – Edmonton, AB

360 sq. ft., 1992

This mural introduces Dr. and Mrs. Oatway(center) and Nurse Deans (insert), theDoctor's assistant. This medical team wasresponsible for the safe delivery ofthousands of babies in the area. Dr. RichardMacRae Oatway was born in October 1877.In 1908, Dr. Oatway and his wife, the formerGrace Gillrie, settled in Stony Plain, wherethey raised three children. Dr. Oatway prac -ticed medicine for more than 45 years. TheOatway house (top right) was locatedimmediately north of the existing train tracks.The practice of medicine on the prairies wasoften very challenging, and Dr. Oatwaygained the community’s respect for hisfaithful and dedicated service.

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l24“MR. GOALIE”Tag Kim – Edmonton, AB 850 sq. ft., 2008

National Hockey League (NHL) Hall of Fame legend Glenn Hall is depicted in this mural as atribute to his outstanding accomplishments, both on and off the ice. During his career, Hallseldom missed a game and was a consistent performer, winning various trophies, includingthe Stanley Cup. Hall, and his wife Pauline, have called Stony Plain home for more than 50years. Their contributions extend beyond the rink – a charac teristic of the entire family, whichexemplifies Hall’s legacy by volunteering and promoting the community. Also depicted in themural are the Hall’s four children: Pat, Leslie, Tammy and Lindsay.

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EARLY STONY PLAINPOSTAL SERVICETerry Gregoraschuk – Calgary, AB

504 sq. ft., 1991

A series of stamps depicts milestones andpostmasters in the history of the StonyPlain mail service. The far left image on themural depicts John L. McDonald, thecommunitys first postmaster, who hadapplied for the post office position in 1892and obtained the name “Stony Plain.”George Sutherland was the first officialmail carrier, riding his horse intoEdmonton to collect mail.

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EVOLUTION OF JUNIOR GOLFGermán Jaramillo-McKenzie – Regina, SK 360 sq. ft., 2002

In 1977, Don “Grandpa” Walls initiated a Junior Golf program at the old Stony Plain Golf Course.Over the years, the program has developed into one of the most outstanding of its kind in thecountry. The Junior Golf Program teaches youngsters all facets of the game.

PRIDE INAGRICULTURERomolo Fantini – Edmonton, AB

Recommissioned in 2012

James Mackay - Carvel, AB

380 sq. ft., 1999

The Stony Plain DemonstrationFarm, which operated between1922 and 1924, demonstratedgood farming tech niques to localfarmers and students fromsurrounding agricultural schools.This mural pays tribute to some ofthe area’s outstanding families andtheir respective accomplishmentsin agri cul ture and horticulture.

COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEYGermán Jaramillo-McKenzie – Regina, SK 240 sq.ft., 2006

Catholic Education has been prominent in Stony Plain since 1982. Father WillieO’Farrell helped start the first Catholic School in the church basement. John Paul IISchool has undergone many expansions and changes to its building, but the heartof the Crusader Family remains unchanged after more than 25 years. l30

l29 WINTER REFLECTIONJames Mackay – Carvel, AB 128 sq.ft., 2010

Skating on the (Dog Rump) pond has been a local pastimefor decades. Featured within this artwork are skaters fromdifferent eras. The old Stony Plain railway station looks overthe pond, and the community’s first hotel, school and grainelevator are pictured in the background.

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THE BOOKArtist: 128 James Mackay,

Carvel, AB

Size: sq. ft. 2012,

#112, 4613 - 52 Avenue

Imagine...our Library's history iskept safely in a book. The bookopens and, magically, the storycomes to life. Important dates,significant buildings andcommunity faces represent theLibrary through the years.

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2012 INTERNATIONAL YEAROF THE COOPERATIVESArtist: James Mackay, Carvel, AB 480 sq. ft, 2012, 5100 - 41 Avenue

This mural is a tribute to the significant role Co-operatives have hadin fostering economic growth and social responsibility. Co-operativesshare internationally agreed principles and act together to build abetter world through co-operation.

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REMEMBERING & CELEBRATING THE PASTCentennial Statues, 2008 – Town Office, 4905 - 51 Ave.

STRONG ARM OF THE LAWSHERIFF ISRAEL UMBACHShane Repka – Spruce Grove, AB, 1997

This is Stony Plain’s first sculpture. It is made from scrap metal andbronze, measures six feet and weighs approx imately 400 lbs. IsraelUmbach, Stony Plain’s first sheriff and overseer, set a Canadianprecedent in 1907 when he forced the Canadian Northern RailwayCompany to pay its outstanding taxes by chaining a locomotive to thetracks. This incident is depicted in the mural “Strong Arm of the Law.”

STATUES

HISTORY ON-THE-GOMURAL TOURS

HORSE & WAGON MURALS TOURA real-life experience and family fun at its best! Venture into history in a bumpy ridedown Murals Memory Lane as you hear the click-clacking of the horses, smell thefresh air and live the stories of our forefathers - who like to put in a personalappearance - so be on your best behaviour!

MURALSWALK OR BUS TOURTake a leisurely stroll into the heart of downtown to experience Stony Plain'srenowned murals "up close and personal", or navigate your bus down MuralsMemory Lane, to discover the stories that lie within the paintings.

Colourful characters might even surprise you with a personal visit!

Tours begin at the Multicultural Heritage Centre, 5411 - 51 Street, Stony Plain.

Contact the Multicultural Heritage Centre for scheduled tour dates.Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

WHAT’SNEWSTONY PLAIN VIRTUAL TIME TRAIN -AN INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIAEXPERIENCEMeet the historic characters of Stony Plain's painted past and follow theiradventures using the Stony Plain Virtual Time Train. The Virtual TimeTrain is located at the Multicultural Heritage Centre and features video,anecdotes and stories of the history of Stony Plain

BUILDING STORIES - MOBILE HERITAGE CONNECTIONSTour the murals via your smart phone as you discover Stony Plain'soutdoor murals collection and historical buildings in a special onlineexperience. Building Stories is an interactive mobile application thatenables Canadians to play a direct part in identifying importantcommunity heritage assets.

l26THE GATHERINGSDoug Driediger – Calgary, AB 1900 sq. ft., 1993

In spite of hard times, farm people enjoyedsocializing through school and churchgatherings – welcome oppor tunities to sharemusic, food and dance with good friendsand neighbours. This mural featuresmembers of the Barth family, which camefrom Plumas, Manitoba to settle in StonyPlain in 1908. Gus Barth is shown playing hisfiddle, while Bill and Bertha are portrayed ontheir wedding day.

MOVING to aNEW LOCATION in 2014.

A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS, EARLY 1900SDavid Kieller – Bruderheim, AB • 528 sq. ft., 1992

Dorothy (Willie) Rippell remembers attendingchurch service on Christmas Eve when she wasa young child. The weather was cold, and therewas much snow. The big sleigh was preparedwith straw, warm blankets, pillows and chairs.With the jingle of bells on the horses, the familyreturned home from the children’s concert andexchanged gifts and candy. The northern lightsdanced across the darkened sky, and the familycounted falling stars and searched for the Bigand Little Dippers.

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MURAL TOURS780.963.2777

5411 - 51 Streetmulticentre.org

info@multicentre.org

VISITORINFORMATION

780.963.4545

4815 - 44 Avenuestonyplainchamber.ca

info@stonyplainchamber.ca

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4905 - 51 Avenue, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1Y1 780.963.2151 info@stonyplain.com stonyplain.com