Swissvale Mural by Nick Hohman, Ashley Hodder

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There’s a lot going on in this mural. We see a lot of everyday people doing everyday things, but we were particularly intrigued by the old steel or iron worker playing chess (or checkers) with the very nondescript person in the upper left corner. Is the muscular form behind the hardhat Joe Magarac – aged like our own steel and iron industry is, but still a presence in the community? Maybe we read too much into it. Maybe it’s just a grandfather that once made his living in the mills and now enjoys his grandkids?

For over 100 years, the Union Switch and Signal plant operated in Swissvale. Lots of inventions and innovations for railroad warning and signaling were developed and manufactured here. Gone in the mid 1980’s, it’s closing left mixed feelings toward the railroad industry. No one denies the history or impact on the community, but when the company closed down here many were left with conflicting sentiments of nostalgia and resentment. The mural includes a train top center, but shows the transition to the bus (the mural is directly across the street from the East Busway stop) and to alternate means of transportation with bikes and walking.

There are lots of small details that reflect everyday life and activities in this neighborhood. Positive images of family and community make this a very uplifting mural.

Abolitionist and activist Jane Grey Cannon Swisshelm is sometimes thought to be this borough’s namesake, but that isn’t quite true. We’ve read that it’s actually named for her father–in–law, John Swisshelm, who owned the farm here and served under Washington in the Revolutionary War. According to the Borough of Swissvale’s website, Jane is the one that named the area Swissvale. They don’t mention if it was named for the family or not. The nearby neighborhood of Swisshelm Park however, is named for Jane. Never the less, we were told that Jane was one of the figures in this mural. Jane Swisshelm was a strong minded woman who’s actions and political writings had impact far beyond this region. A strong opponent to slavery, Jane supported the underground railroad and published many articles in support of the abolitionist movement.

Trainscape: Community and Industry by Anthony Purcell

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Creating this mural turned out to be educational for this artist. It was a learning experience regarding the public relations aspect of doing a public art piece. He discovered that there was a lot he didn't know. As a Sprout Fund mural, the local community had provided a committee to select and approve the artist and the design. Mr Purcell did a little research and found out that Swissvale had a history of industry revolving around steel and railroads. He designed the mural to show some of that history and when the committee approved his design so he set out to create the mural. The bold, colorful images were meant to be cheerful, positive influences in the neighborhood.

As he began painting, Anthony Purcell soon discovered that the committee did not mirror the local citizens in their opinions. As it turned out, that history of the railroad industry in town had ended on a very bitter note. The railroad pulled out in the early 80's and abandoned the town. Some of the citizens resented that and did not like seeing the train as the focal point in the new mural. There was also some dissension with the colors. The vibrant colors were loved by many, but not all. Some of the nearby businesses weren't happy with that look.

Mr Purcell said that Making good artwork is about making good choices, and the next time he does a mural like that he will be doing more research before he makes his design choices. He decided that he needs to know more than just the historic facts about the area. He said that it's necessary to understand the local perceptions before choosing the subject of the art, and he also realized that he needed to consider who had to literally live with the design. While most would only view it for a minute while driving or walking past, the homes and businesses across from it would see it constantly. He thinks that their preferences should be considered before the final design and colors are settled on.

We thought this mural was terrific and well worth going out to Swissvale to see. We hope it's grown on the people that weren't completely happy at the start, because it certainly does add a beautiful, cheerful spot in the neighborhood. I'd certainly enjoy having one like it in my neighborhood.