Mural project dedication a success

The newly-dedicated Roachdale town mural welcomes visitors and reminds those exiting town exactly where they’ve been by artfully illustrating the town’s long-standing history with the railroad.

Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON

ROACHDALE -- With more than 200 people attending from all over Putnam County, the RRCA (Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance), with the help of the Town of Roachdale and the Roachdale Fire Department, celebrated the completion of the Roachdale Mural Project on Monday night.

“I could not be more happy with the event and how many folks turned out to celebrate this achievement with us,” Joe Buser, president of the RRCA, said. “The spirit of the people moved me and inspired us to continue our work to revitalize our community.

“The evening was about celebrating the beginning of a new era for Roachdale and to honor our artist Holly Cooper and all those who assisted her in painting the mural,” he continued.

Adding to the celebration was food provided by the Roachdale Christian Church, music by Jackie Gibson, an inspirational message by Beth Newton-Watson, and attendance by sponsors Tri-County Bank, Hoosier Heartland State Bank, the Putnam County Visitors Bureau, Modern Woodmen Financial and American Family Insurance.

The RRCA is a not-for-profit organization in Roachdale with objectives including historic preservation, economic development and downtown revitalization.

So far, projects for this group include Windy Meadows Farm, Roachdale Farmer’s Market, Roachdale Rib and Blues Festival, downtown beautification projects and a tree-planting strategy as a result of a grant from the Putnam County Foundation.

In her design of the new Roachdale mural on the south end of the old TDS Telecom building, artist Holly Cooper gave visitors the chance to interact with the painting, an opportunity Cooper took for herself following the unveiling Monday evening.

Courtesy photo/ANDREW COOPER