A.J. Barnett probably never imagined that he would have a mural on a wall, much less that he would be pictured in a “green” version.
Cuba, Mo With a little computer technology, Viva Cuba’s very first mural has joined the green season, just in time for St. Pat’s Day. The subject of this mural, Mr. A.J. Barnett probably never realized that he would be the subject of a mural or that he would someday be portrayed as green.
Who was Mr. Barnett, that Peoples Bank would sponsor this mural to recognize the 100th Anniversary of its bank?
A.J. Barnett, the first cashier and President of Peoples Bank from 1920-1959, was mayor of Cuba for ten years. The first city lighting system was installed during his first term in 1922.
The mural shows him cranking the first Model T Ford in Cuba, which Barnett owned. In the car, left to right are Katie Hunter, Billy Jackson, and A. J.’s children James and Mildred Barnett. The building in the mural at the SW corner of Smith and Washington was the site of the bank in the early 1900s. Barnett also owned Barnett Motor Company, one of the first garages in Cuba.
This distinctive corner entrance of an early bank building has a presence in the mural. The building is located on the corner of Route 66 and Smith Street.
This photograph was an inspiration for the mural.
The Barnett Motor Company grew with the growth of Ford cars.
Car clubs that travel through Cuba sometimes pose their cars in front of the mural, and there are classic cars in front of the mural during the September Lions Club Car Show.
These Austin 7s came from the UK. These cars look a good deal like the old model T that A.J. Barnett drove. The mural is just off Route 66 on Buchanan St.
Although we are having a little fun with this “green version” of the photo, let’s pause to think of the many town leaders who made their contribution to Cuba and do our part to continue to make it a good place to work, live, and do business.
Come to Cuba the 3rd weekend of October during Cuba Fest for a free, narrated trolley tour about all of Viva Cuba’s murals.
Read about the Route 66 Cuba Fest 2012 and see scenes of past Cuba Fests.
Leave A Comment