Paint It Forward in the 500 Washington Pocket Park

Chillicothe, MO – Tucked inside our quiet downtown pocket park, the wall at 504 N. Washington Street holds far more than bricks and mortar. It holds memories of early industry, past structures, shared experiences, and community spirit. Main Street Chillicothe is proud to announce the return of the Graham's Mill & Bridge mural, a tribute to our city's heritage, reimagined by local artist Scott Rule.

This mural will mark not only the return of public art to this location but the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes effort. After losing the original mural by artist Kelly Poling in 2022 due to structural deterioration and storm damage, Main Street Chillicothe developed and led a comprehensive preservation plan. Work included removing the damaged stucco layer, replacing compromised bricks, repointing the entire wall with preservation-appropriate mortar, installing new flashing, and sealing the wall with a breathable masonry protector. These costly but necessary efforts ultimately safeguard the building at 514 N. Washington Street and help preserve the attached northern buildings of the block.

The mural tells the story of James Graham's 1866 stone flour mill, once capable of producing 75 barrels of flour a day, and the covered bridge that carried commerce, carriages, and even hosted community dances before its collapse in 1944. Although the structures are long gone, their legacy lives on through stories, published articles, and, again, in art.

Now, the mural's story will continue as artist Scott Rule breathes new life into this well-known iconic scene with his vibrant, expressive style. The new mural art commission is a confirmation and reminder of Main Street Chillicothe's commitment to visual storytelling, historic preservation, and the vibrancy of downtown life.

The mural's location itself also holds stories and history worth remembering. The pocket park itself sits on the site of a former Christian church, established in 1857, which later became a Masonic Temple and then the beloved Ritz Theatre, entertaining generations. Unfortunately, the structure, which had been neglected for too long, was demolished in the 1990s. Today, thanks to the stewardship of the City of Chillicothe, it serves as a vibrant green gathering space and a canvas that welcomes all to our historic downtown.

The Graham's Mill & Bridge mural is not just a painting. It is a promise to honor our past and invest in our future. You too can be part of this story. Main Street Chillicothe is raising funds now to complete this vital mural project. We invite you to help "Paint It Forward" by donating: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/paint-it-forward

Every gift, large or small, ensures that Chillicothe's history remains visible, valued, and vibrantly on display for years to come.

To learn more about Main Street Chillicothe’s downtown revitalization efforts or find ways to get involved, visit www.downtownchilli.com or follow us on social media @mainstreetchilli.

About Main Street Chillicothe
Main Street Chillicothe is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and enhancing downtown Chillicothe. By fostering community pride, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our rich history, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for our community. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.downtownchilli.com/partnership/ or contact us at 660-646-4071.

As a Missouri Main Street Accredited program, MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 50 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

As a Main Street America Accredited Program, Chillicothe Main Street, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America Accredited Programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standard of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Special thanks to our current partners, many "Friends of Main Street" supporters, and our volunteers who make it all happen. This place matters and so do you.