Fulton Mural Featured in Living History Tour

FULTON – You can’t miss it when you’re on South First Street. Heading past the historic Post Office and Library, just beyond Veteran’s Park and City Hall, as you enter the heart of Fulton’s downtown, is a larger-than-life mural of the Oswego River and old time Fulton.

It’s known as the Hunter Arms Mural and this year, the Fulton Living History Tour will start at the mural and stroll into our city’s past. The Tour takes place Friday, September 20, beginning at 11am, and Saturday, September 21, beginning at 1pm.

Everyone is welcome to relive Fulton’s grand history. The Tour is free of charge, thanks to the generosity of two organizations: the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, through its Strategic Grants Project, and CNY Arts, through its Grace Program. The grant proposals were written by Living History Tour Committee members, including Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Founder, who spoke about the importance of the Tour.

“Sharing the history of Fulton is a great way to increase the pride in our community, which is a

goal of the Fulton Block Builder program,” said Eagan.

Using the Hunter Arms mural as the starting point was an idea from Jim Farfaglia, Committee member, who helped write the Tour script. “I have always admired the mural,” Farfaglia said. “It’s a great way for those attending the Tour to begin imagining what life was once like in Fulton.”

Creating those scenes of Fulton’s past has become the task for Tour Committee member and Director Lori Blackburn, who’s working with over 25 cast members to turn costumes, scenery and props into a Living History.

“Beginning with the mural and moving over one half mile of stage, Fulton’s Living History Tour will span 150 years of rich history,” Blackburn explained. “Visitors will meet Andrew Carnegie, Harriet Tubman, baseball great Charles Fegley and Mrs. Pratt. A tribute to those who served in the military will take place in Veteran’s Park. A Storywalk created by local teenagers will be on display near the library.”

Those interested in Fulton’s history may be curious about the Hunter Arms Mural. Created by Ben Jerred, in 2009, the mural was the result of a contest sponsored by the Great Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Fulton Savings Bank. The Chamber and city government officials were looking for a way to shine light on Fulton’s proud history, so they created a friendly competition to see who could achieve that goal.

Knowing the sponsors were looking for a local historical scene in their mural, Jerred chose Hunter Arms, where his grandfather was a master engraver. To capture more of Fulton’s early history, he included the Erie Canal extension on the Oswego River and packet boats that once traveled it.

Jerred, who was already an accomplished painter and mural artist, used traditional “hands on” skills to submit a sketch of his proposed mural. Also knowledgeable of modern art techniques, he used Photoshop to superimpose his proposal so the contest judges could better imagine it on the wall. His combination of conventional and contemporary techniques impressed the judges and he was offered the opportunity to create the mural.

To accurately capture his artwork on a large wall, Jerred first painted it on paper, later using this painting as a reference for color accuracy and perspective. The paper version was divided into six sections to match the wall’s already divided sections, providing a grid for the mural.

While the mural was Jerred’s personal vision, he had help creating it. Rowlee Construction was integral in turning his idea into reality. In order for Jerred to reach the top sections of the mural, Rowlee lent him a mechanical lift. To use this equipment on city property Jerred needed to be insured, and again Rowlee helped by making him a temporary employee.

Fulton Savings Bank, located across the street from the mural, also played an important role in its success. Along with funding the project, they created and continue to maintain the garden area, bench and signage in the mural area. Of particular help was the Bank’s CEO, Mike Pollock, who was integral in commissioning the mural project.

Coordination of those details was important because Jerred had less than three weeks to complete his mural. Luckily, the weather was on his side, with the sun shining every day. He sometimes worked into the evening and, on a few occasions, Towpath Towers residents called the police, mistaking Jerred as someone trying to vandalize his mural.

All the effort was worth it and Jerred finished the project on time. To make sure future Fultonians and visitors to our city could enjoy the mural in its peak condition, Rowlee applied an acrylic finish to protect it from the elements. When the mural was completed, Mayor Ron Woodward and the Fulton Common Council honored Jerred with an official resolution.

Fifteen years after creating his mural, Jerred’s gift to Fulton is still an inspiration. The mural has served as a catalyst for Fulton Footpaths walking trail along the Oswego River and other revitalization efforts in the downtown Fulton area. And now it serves as the beginning of a unique opportunity to look back at our city’s history. It’s almost as if those attending the Tour will be able to step into Ben Jerred’s vision and relive Fulton’s history.

You can experience the Living History Tour by meeting at the Hunter Arms Mural by 11am on September 20 or 1pm on September 21. In case of inclement weather, the Tour will take place at the Fulton Community Ice Arena, near the War Memorial at 605 West Broadway. For more information about the Tour contact Jim Farfaglia at (315) 402-6164.

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