Southeast Missouri State University - Sagamore Yearbook (Cape Girardeau, MO)

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P 3' 'M - ' A, .QWMN4 -an-A-4 'Q 4 Mm in-.5 . 1 s, X. K 'G .fi tst.tg,r , eu.. .4'YQ-HW wx U tr A- r., It . ...xxx 9 ff' '41 ,ui rt . Centennial Mural by Jake Wells Combined with the talent and industry of Jake Wells were the inspiration, encouragement and research provided by faculty members and townspeople over a three year period. Responsible for the projects inception were the late Dr. F. E. Snider, Director of Kent Library, Mark Scully, University President, and several Alumni Council members. A committee consisting of Dr. Scully, Dr. Snider, Dr. Arthur Mattingly, Mrs. Agnes Evans and the late Mr. Harold Kiehne formalized the plans and work- , . 1... -xzirri ... 'lt Qi. ed directly with Mr. Wells, Head of the Art Department. Throughout the project Mr. Win Bruhl, formerly a SEMO art instructor, served as mural assistant. Also Mr. Wells received suggestions by letter from nationally prominent Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. For some 16 months the muraI's detailed contents developed through numerous stages of sketching, scaled studies and master color panels. Actual painting, done with acrylics, took place over a 17 month period.

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And Reception After the dedication, platform guests departed in antique cars for the 1880's style reception at Memorial Hall. Upper left: Dr. Scully's choice was a rumble seat ride. Upper right: At the recep- tion Sam Bishop, Art Department, spent time viewing a slide study of the mural's creation. Middle left: Mrs. Agnes Evans, Art Depart- ment, assisted at the tea table. Lower right: Miss Antoinette Meyer, Mrs. Keith Tolliver, Miss Hattie Eicholtz, and Mrs. Victor Hill joined hundreds in line to greet the platform guests. Lower left: Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hensley, Speech Department, and their children dress- ed in keeping with the reception's theme. Dr. Hensley and Mr. John Blue have co-chaired the Centennial Committee. Ceme 7

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ti! mu-t ' R X? ,N B .... 3, X f F' Q N r. R if 3 .qu M- ' I 2 1 x I I I gl 1 5 Sig i .'.:- 21: I , -ii ' M -M ' V,., ' ' 'f P'-- f '-A -A - ---H-5' - -4--'i - ' A ,,.' , 'r Q x sr - .A s rg-3 Q , i ,I A t rg K A4 g E Q41 Mr N, vz 5 V I 'Y-mu.-.Nj - Y' 3, L , 'X t . ' ' R in s K 'www ' A V 3 J ' .. ' , 9fNXas ln a booklet prepared about the mural it is explained that work on the design concept began in late summer, 1970. lt was decided to devote the main section of the work to the historical aspects of the area and to place the emphasis on the human element rather than on the material aspects of river transportation, sawmilling, min- ing and agriculture, the four elements so typical of this Southeast Missouri area. Industrial and geographical characteristics then support the 38 x 20 foot murals dominant message about the dreamers and builders who Mural photograph by Paul Lueders. made available to the Sagamore by Centen- mal History Committee not only carved their niches in Missouri history but who also lived with their eyes on the future. Blended with the human and regional elements are historical landmarks and University structures. Who we are and how we came to this point in time is the plot of the colorful story on Kent Library's wall. Mr. Wells, a native of Southeast Missouri, caught the stamina and spirit of several generations and masterfully preserv- ed those qualities in a visual history lesson for generations to come.