Painting the Mural Panels
LISTEN HERE for more details of the historical mural, as narrated by historian Harrison Frech.
A historical themed mural has been researched and painted by artist, Dan Keyes. It welcomes north bound visitors as they travel
on Main Street. The south side of the Rockford Fire Station mural features people of historic significance who crossed the St. Marys River in the area.
People of historical significance that crossed the St Marys River in our area are portrayed in the historic mural:
(Listed in the order as they appear in the mural left to right.)
- Celeron De Bienville, 1747
- French/Canadian Marine, explorer
- Fr. Joseph Bonnecamp, 1747
- Natives, Delaware and Miami
- General Anthony Wayne, 1794
- Anthony and Mrs. Shane c. 1800
- Rev. Isaac McCoy c. 1820
- General, WN. Henry Harrison 1815
- Major Stephen Long c. 1820
- Captain James Riley c. 1820
- Benjamin Drake, Biographer
- John (Appleseed) Chapman, 1828
Thank you to Cooper Farms for their generous financial donation
Prepping the Space
Landscaping of the Mural
Painting in Progress
Hanging Mural Panels
Mural Dedication
Rockford Bicentennial Committee held a dedication ceremony for the Rockford Bicentennial Mural on October 11, 2020.
The dedication program
Many thanks (below)
Listen about the history
The brochure
The display board at the site of the mural has information about the figures portrayed on the mural.
A special thank you to all who donated time and efforts toward the Rockford Bicentennial Mural.
Norm Van Tilburg, President of the Shane Crossing Historical Society
Mike Schumm, Rockford Bicentennial Chairman
Twyla Hayes, Rockford Bicentennial Mural Organizer
Dan Keyes, Artist
Harrison Frech, Historian
Rockford Fire Department
Rob Belna
Dick Pontius
Barb and Mike Pedroza
Janet and Mike Riley
Kevin LaBrun
Rob Russell
Ted Samaniego
Stober Farm
Barb Bowen
Nancy Leighner
Pete Hayes
Austin Barna
Jordan Belna
Bob Maurer
Aaron Fent, A&A Greenhouse
Andy Fent, A&A Greenhouse
Chad Ransbottom
Blair Shaffer, Village Worker
Joe Roth, Village Worker
Larry Stephenson, Benches
Johnny Harrod, Mercer Metal
Brand It Marketing. design of display board and brochures
