"Mural"

Located at the Mormon Bookstore (formerly Florence Hardware store), 8611 N. 30th Street (())

Enlarge view

The Mural was designed by students from Florence Elementary School, and painted by area college students.  The students handprints add to the final piece.  The work took place in 1995, and was completed (despite record rains and cold weather) just in time for Florence Days.

The mural was used as the design of a T-Shirt for Florence Days 1995, which was sold by the Florence Elementary School and local supporting stores.  The mural was also considered for a community award sponsored by Hardee's Restaurant.

There were several local organizations, companies, and individuals that made the project a success.  If you think about it, it is never too late to say thanks to the following for their contribution:

Florence Historical Society (also known as the Florence Historical Foundation), Hitchcock Foundation, Florence Elementary School, Lozier Corporation, Clarkson College, Florence Kiwanis, Florence Hardware, Bruce Bessey, Omaha Public Schools, Dan Howarth, Baker's Supermarket, McGill Restoration, Speedway Scaffolding, Mr. Martin Cannon, Florence Concerned Citizens, Westlake Hardware, WalMart, UNO Engineering Department, Drop-Able Company, Vince Bird Construction, Sutherlands, Payless Hardware, American National Bank, Donut Shop, North Omaha Commercial Club, Dall Pharmacy, Omaha Home for Boys, Viking Ship, Florence Body Shop, Ron's Paint Inc., The Glidden Company, Werner Paint Company, and Immanuel Hospital.

Jan Pinaire was instrumental in making this project a success.  At the time, Jan was a teacher at Florence Elementary School. Jan has since retired but was active locally up until she and her husband moved to Pennsylvania to be near family in 2005. She has been and will be missed.

Click to see how it happened