Thankful, as defined by Webster’s New Universal Dictionary, is an adjective “expressing gratitude or appreciation”. Somehow, that’s too few words to express the depth of appreciation that we at the Historical Society are feeling about folks who dug down deep and gave chunks of their hearts, their time and their pocketbooks. Were it not for those individuals, families, businesses and groups, the Old Post Office Mural Project would not have taken wing.
Lots more flowery language is needed, and real flowers. Trumpet fanfares, flags waving, and lots of hugs, heartfelt squeezes that last almost too long, should go out to every one of the hundreds who supported the endeavor (along with firm handshakes for those who don’t hug).
You get the idea.
The Wheat Ridge business community showed their support. All were important contributions, but A&J Time Rentals on the corner of 44th and Robb proved vital with their donation of scaffolding for the project; hats off to owner Walt Skinner. Licksun Lyrics Music stepped forward early on with a generous offer of matching funds, to which Society members, in turn, stepped up their donations. George Jorgensen and his Mile High BBQ wagon kept the masses fed at the May Festival.
Dozens of businesses throughout the city displayed fliers or placed information cards at checkout stations announcing the event. Other businesses offered support that helped organizers maintain their sanity. Mike’s Camera, for example, gladly provided technical advice, and local photographers worked the event and then rapidly donated wonderful candids. Neighbors in the Historical Park area not only attended in droves, some loaned wrought iron period furniture for close-in seating for folks to watch the mural creation process.
Donors, both Society members and non-members alike, came forth with cash – coins from kids to much larger sums. Members of the White family, descendants of celery farmer Bert White whose figure sits atop the Henry Lee Wagon in the mural, provided generous cash donations, as well as family details through their donated scrapbooks and other ephemera.
A tip of the hat and a hearty thanks to City Council, Mayor Bud Starker and City liaison Brandon Altenburg for their continued support and to Karen O’Donnell and the Parks and Rec Commission (and P&R crew!) and Kathleen Martell and the Cultural Commission for allowing this project to travel the fast track. And the volunteers! It takes a village, as the saying goes, and our little village of history-lovers really stepped up to assure success!
Lastly, we would be remiss if we didn’t offer a giant thank you to the Oatis family, sign painter Mark Oatis, his wife Rose, daughter Darcy and son-in-law Ed for their dedication. It’s quite a feather in the cap for the former Wheat Ridge boy who enjoyed a stellar career then returned home to work for pennies on the dollar in the sun, rain and wind to create a piece of lasting art that will accurately portray the area’s history for years to come.
