Feb 17th
During the installation phase, Small says “all kinds of stuff buried under the ground” was discovered that complicated the work. Fiber optic cables and power lines were dangerous obstacles , and a shallow layer of bedrock at the site added to the difficulties by limiting the depth of the digging possible for the project's foundation.
To help with the budget, incentives were offered to donors, including having their name carved into the border of the mural. Special thanks go to Defiance Metal Products, the donor of the aluminum, steel, and laser cutting, while a number of local contractors helped lay cement and in other ways construct the mural. The Wood County Commissioners also added their support to the project.
As a result of all the effort, the corner of E. Poe Road and North College Drive is no longer another empty lot bordered with a plain wire fence. Instead it's become a proud tribute to the city and an important historical depiction of the Great Black Swamp.