Cobourg to Rochester Ferry Mural Gets An Upgrade in Downtown
The Cobourg to Rochester Ferry mural on First Street has been getting a make over for the past week.
The Cobourg and District Historical Society under the leadership of President Carla Jones brought the idea back to life after it had sat in the back of the minds of several of the executive members for at least six years.
Peter Delanty, the former mayor of Cobourg, did a presentation to the Cobourg and District Historical Society this past year to great interest in the audience made up of many people who had crossed to Rochester when they were young, and the daughter of one of the captains, Jane McCaig was in the audience as well.
John MItchell was the original artist and Allan Bender, the current muralist, has been in touch with him regarding the sketches, paint colours, and challenges of painting the mural so many years ago.
Allan Bender did the mural of historical figures in the Legion VIllage (Golden Rail) pub and recently added Fern Blodgett Sunde’s picture to the mural. Allan Bender’s work graces the buildings in several towns, the Toronto Zoo and now Cobourg.
The DBIA (Downtown Business Improvement Association) saw the value of the project and picked up the cost of the $6,000 restoration.
Any additional costs accrued beyond the original agreement would be covered by the Cobourg and District Historical Society.
The owners of the building Northumberland Condo Corp #39 which houses Audrey’s fashions where the mural is located, were supportive of the idea of the restoration from the very beginning.
Cobourg Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty was extremely supportive and reached out to the staff regarding any permits, or permissions that might have been needed and spoke with the heritage planner.
Bender said many people have been walking by and congratulating him on the restoration after they realized he was not covering it up adding that he is impressed with the pride that the people of Cobourg have in their town, and its history.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love