Hayes Shoe Store Steps Into Mural Project
by Jane Reed
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Photo: Chris Case/Cuba Free Press
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When Jeff Bouse, owner of Hayes Shoe Store in Cuba, Missouri decided to
expand his line to Clarkıs shoes in 2003, he probably saw this as an
innovation for his customers. Little did he know, that an even bigger
innovation involving both the past and the future of his business would soon
take place.
Viva Cuba, a community beautification group, approached Bouse with an
expansive program to place an outdoor mural on the building, which fronts
historic Route 66. The mural was to be of a business enterprise from the
past called Prosperity Corner, which originally occupied the site of the
shoe store in the early 1900s. It was a site where people gathered to talk
and do business at H.H. Tiemanıs General Merchandise store. Scenes from
this period and location would be painted on the outside of Hayes Shoe Store
on both exposed sides of the building. With a leap of faith, Jeff Bouse
agreed to become a part of the mural program, which would transform his
building and become a part of the revitalization project for the Cuba
Historic District.
Signs and an awning came down, tuck pointing took place, and the brick
store was primed white. In July, Artist Kelly Polling from Chillicothe,
Missouri took up residence outside the building from early morning into the
evening. He scaled ladders and scaffolding. The white walls were covered
with large blocks of paint. Awnings were painted on. Or were they real
awnings? It was hard to tell. Real windows were painted over, and windows
were painted where there werenıt any. Business signs from the 1900s
appeared on the walls. Characters from the 1900s strolled into the scene.
At times, it was difficult to decide what was real and what was part of this
scene of time travel. Slowly, day by day, the artist imprinted Hayes Shoe
Store with these scenes from an earlier time. Prosperity Corner returned to
its origin.
Now Bouse and his staff, as well as expertly dealing with their
customersı shoe needs, answer questions about the mural. People stand
outside staring at the building. People stop to take pictures. As drivers
pass by, they often do a double take at the new facade. Many times they
even come inside to buy shoes.
If you are in Cuba, Missouri along Route 66, you, too, are invited to
step into this scene from an earlier time at Hayes Shoe Store. The storeıs
name is on the front of the building. But be careful; you may come to
wonder if itıs a mural or just a warp in time.
For more information on the Viva Cuba Mural Project and to see pictures of
the other murals, visit crawfordco.com/murals. The organization has plans
for 12 outdoor murals by 2007, which is Cubaıs sesquicenntineal.
Cuba, Missouri, which has its own museum, is located on I-44, which is about
65 miles southwest of St.Louis. Its population is about 3500. Other events
are the July County Fair and Parade and the October Cubafest. The town is
also located close to rivers and lodges for canoeing and rafting. Cuba
Lakes, a 9-hole golf course is on the edge of town. Stop by the Visitorıs
Center for a map of the murals and other information or call 573-885-2531.
E-mail info@cubamo.com or visit www.cubamochamber.com.
City of Cuba Mural Update May 2007
This is our just completed 12th outdoor mural at the intersection of
Rt. 66 and Hwy. 19 in Cuba. It is on the old garage bays of the
restored Rt. 66 Phillips 66 station.
Living St. Louis (Channel 9) will be running a feature that includes the painting of this mural sometime this summer. Southern Living magazine just did a photo shoot on our murals. "Cuba-The Rt.66 Mural City" is trying to do our part to bring some recognition to Rt. 66.
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