Walldog Murals

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1. Welcome to Downtown Jacksonville Mural

Welcome to Jacksonville! This mural you’re looking at was created by one of the Walldog Muralists by the name of Cameron Bortz that arrived here all the way from Pawcatuck, Connecticut to Jacksonville in 2006 to add a little more history to our town. We hope it provides a warm welcome to our town and prepares you for the wonders you are to find within our neighborly square!

2. Cigar Industry/Short Horn Label Mural

The R.T Cassell Cigar Co. began as a small cigar-making business in Jacksonville ran by two brothers. Since its humble beginnings in 1882, the R.T Cassell Cigar Co. flourished into one of Jacksonville's prominent business selling various cigars. Cassell's business sold included the "Short Run," "Big Run," "Cheerup," and "Leading Lady." One of their most popular cigars was the "Short Run" which is depicted in this mural and demonstrates the spirit of small businesses in Jacksonville.

3. Mullenix and Hamilton's Mural

Mullenix and Hamilton's started in 1913 when Robert Mullenix and Lloyd "Doc" Hamilton opened their first stand on East State Street. The incredibly popular confectionery stands were known for bringing people together and making events an even more enjoyable time. The stands were well-known for selling sodas, refreshments, chewing gum, and candy. Hamilton's underwent a transformation from stands, to a restaurant, and now the legacy continues as the Hamilton's Catering Co.

4. West - Side Public Square 1910

This is part of the Walldog Murals. It was done by Mike Clark from Alton, IL.

5. Eli Bridge Co. Mural

This mural highlights the inspiration and dedication of local entrepreneurs here in Jacksonville. The Eli Bridge Company, established as a co-partnership between W. E. Sullivan and the Kellogg Bros. as primarily a steel bridge building company. In 1900, after Sullivan’s visit to the Columbian Exposition, they decided to make the first Eli Ferris Wheel. The Wheel was, according to Norman D. Anderson’s History, “built in record-breaking time.” Our town of Jacksonville, Illinois is where the very first “Big Eli” Ferris wheel was presented and the Wheel proved to be a great success and, in 1906, Sullivan incorporated the Eli Bridge Company and made it the company it is today (Eli Bridge Co.). Although it may be an incorporated company with many investors, it is still the family-owned company that it once was. Jacksonville prides itself in being the town that produces the only ferris wheels in the country to this date. And to feature this, we also have a functioning Ferris Wheel, on Main Street that operates every Sunday from 4 pm to 6 pm starting on Memorial Day through Autumn, if the weather permits. In addition to that ferris wheel, the very first wheel, Big Eli #1, stands gloriously in front of the current standing factory. This walldog mural was created by Dale Manor, a resident of Menomonie, Wisconsin. He took this project in his hands because as walldog muralist he found the history behind the Eli Bridge Company very interesting. Manor is a muralist of various types kinds and his work is presented throughout the country. To learn more about his other works, follow this link.

6. Benjamin Grierson

Benjamin Grierson began his life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through fate he wound up in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he made a profound impact. He is now honored with a mural purely dedicated to his accomplishments in life, proof that he is a man worthy of Jacksonville’s pride.

7. Lincoln in Jacksonville Mural

One of Jacksonville's Walldog murals. This one commemorates one of Lincoln's early political speeches, delivered in front of the court house during the autumn of 1856.

8. Buffalo Bill

This is part of the Walldog Murals. It was made by Bill and Jane Diaz

9. Jacksonville Public Library

Jacksonville Public Library exists due to the generosity of Illinois College and Andrew Carnegie. The mural was created to honor Andrew Carnegie and his sizable donation that made the library possible.

10. DX Service Station Mural

The DX service station has had a long and interesting history of constant. The service stations origins can be traced back to the Mid-Continental Oil Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma where they sold DX brand gasoline. Through various mergers, the DX brand no longer stands on its own, but it demonstrates that Jacksonville is very much part of the national economy with the acquisitions of its oil companies. The murals are located on the same corner as the original DX service stations when they were in operation.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Walldog Murals

Created by HI 130 Fall 2017 (Illinois College) on October 30th 2017, 3:31:19 pm.

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Description

During the summer of 2006, Jacksonville Main Street hosted a group of professional sign painters called Letterheads to conceive and execute heritage-based art projects throughout Jacksonville's historic central business district. The result was a collection of murals and sign projects that highlight the rich history of Jacksonville. The event, which a celebration of the arts and history, was dubbed "The Jacksonville Walldog Extravaganza." A Walldog was originally a sign painter who traveled throughout the country painting advertising on buildings in the early 20th century. Today, a Walldog is a nickname referring to the Letterhead sign painter who create murals in a similar manner.

Entries on This Tour

Walldog Murals

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