Old town mural of 1977 - Pocatello, Idaho
Posted by: 
CheekyBrit
N 42° 51.676 W 112° 27.022
12T E 381516 N 4746429
Murals from last generation depicting life in Pocatello during 1977.
Waymark Code: WM120NB
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 01/25/2020
Views: 9
"The New Mural"
We're going back. Back before the American Falls dam was completed. Back when Star Wars episode IV was still enjoying it's 13th week of record breaking stardom. The first voyager spacecraft was launched on the date this mural was completed, so that gives you some perspective how far back 1977 was.
A cluster of Pocatello businesses that have almost all become extinct banded together to sponsor $3000 for artist Margo Proksa to capture life in Pocatello across different eras. The orpheum building was razed back in 1975, exposing the north wall of what is now 'Bill Burke's house of photography'. The only mention of this is on microfilm of the Idaho State Journal, Friday September 16, 1977, page 4, section 2. Other than that this mural has almost been forgotten. There were plans for 10 or 12 more murals but it doesn't seem like those plans survived.
To find this spot, go to the East corner of Bill Burke's house of photography and walk North 10 steps. turn around and you can see the faded chipping paint of an artwork that earned the artist $1000, or about $4240 adjusted for inflation to 2020.
The listed date of Saturday, September 17th 1977 is when the murals were dedicated, but they were completed earlier than that. I'll leave that mystery for you to find on your own.
City: Pocatello
Location Name: Bill Burke's house of photography
Artist: Margo Proksa
Date: September 17th 1977
Media: Paint on red clay brick
Relevant Web Site: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and description of your visit. One original photo of the mural must also be submitted. GPSr photo NOT required.