The streets were not paved in this photo.

The streets were not paved in this photo.

A.J. Barnett took family and friends for a ride in the Cuba's first Model T.

A.J. Barnett took family and friends for  rides in the Cuba’s first Model T.

Photographs evoke memories, remind us of times gone by, and contribute to the preservation of history.

Peoples Bank wished to commemorate its 1ooth anniversary in 2001 with Cuba’s first outdoor mural. The two photos above would inspire that mural.

The first photo pictures the corner of Smith and Washington (now old Rt. 66) where an earlier Peoples Bank stood.  At that time the street was not paved.

The second photo shows A.J. Barnett and his Model T Ford, which was the first car in Cuba. Barnett was a mayor, owner of the first Cuba garage, and the first cashier of Peoples Bank. He  was very active in civic organizations.

When the bank decided to commission a mural, these two photos were given to the Canadian artist Michelle Loughery, who was known for her heritage-style photos. The resulting mural shows the photos’ influence in her design. Local artist Shelly Smith Steiger assisted with the painting of Cuba’s first mural.

This first mural led to a project of 12 outdoor murals in Cuba MO.

This first mural led to a Viva Cuba project of 12 outdoor murals in Cuba MO.

With the renewed interest in preservation in the historical uptown area of Cuba, many business have returned to a historical color palette and style of painting. The old Peoples Bank building has received such a facelift.

Painters on scaffolding transformed the old building.

Painters on scaffolding transformed the old building. The distinctive corner entrance was uncovered after it had previously been covered.

The distinctive corner entrance welcomes clients to the title company located in the building. Cars on Route 66 whiz by the building now.

The distinctive corner entrance welcomes clients to the title company located in the building. Cars on Route 66 whiz by the building now.

Cuba MO is definitely a town where art meets history.

For another mural inspired by a photograph, see the blog entry “If this corner could talk…Washington Street (Route 66) & Smith Street…”

This article from October 2001 alerted the community to the significance of the mural.

This is original information that was published at the time of the first mural in 2001.

This is original information that was published at the time of the first mural in 2001.