Revive Downtown Park Hills and the Downtown Park Hills Association (DPHA) are partnering to restore the Mining History Mural located at the intersection of West Main Street and Science Street, known as Schramm’s Corner. The mural, which measures 50′ x 22′, depicts the history of mining in the Mineral Area. The restoration project requires $6,000, and the goal is to raise the funds to start the project this fall. Holly Kearns, a local artist, has been tasked with bringing the mural back to its former glory.

Revive Downtown Park Hills is asking for monetary donations to be made to Hulsey Properties, Tammi Coleman at the City of Park Hills, or First State Community Bank in the Revive Downtown Park Hills account. Checks should be made payable to Revive Downtown Park Hills. Community members who cannot donate monetarily can help by spreading the word about the project and sharing their posts on Facebook.

The mural was painted by Mike Wallace in 1992, and the total cost of the mural was $1,500. Donations from the community and a carwash fundraiser hosted by local Girl and Boy Scouts funded the project. The mural has deteriorated over time due to weather and vandalism, and Revive and the DPHA are working to save this piece of history.

Holly Kearns has worked on several projects in the local area, including food trucks, the St. Francois County Fairgrounds, and buildings in downtown Park Hills. Kearns has also applied her art to a swimming pool border. Kearns expressed her gratitude to Revive for selecting her for the mural restoration project via her Facebook page.

Bob Wade, president of The Flat River Missouri Community Betterment Committee, introduced the mural project to residents during a committee meeting on Feb. 20, 1992. The committee worked hard for three years to improve the community in many ways, and an upcoming project was a large mural planned for the side of the Ribak Cleaners building. Wallace named the mural the Downtown Mining History Mural and began bringing it to life on May 28, 1992.

The Mining History Mural is an important part of Park Hills’ history and a reminder of the hard work and dedication of the miners who helped build the town. With the community’s efforts, the mural will be restored and preserved for future generations to enjoy. For more information on the restoration project or to make a donation, please visit the Revive Downtown Park Hills Facebook page.