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Small Towns: Murals in Algoma share town's history

Posted at 10:41 PM, Oct 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-17 23:41:32-04

Algoma is known for its Lake Michigan backdrop, great sport fishing and of course, a small town feel that's stayed more or less the same for generations.

Back in the 18th and early 19th century, when the community was laying its foundations, Algoma prided itself as a one-stop shop for the region.

Times have definitely changed, but the history of what was once provided here still remains through unique murals across town.

"History is something that just needs to be remembered," explained David Petri.

Ten years ago, a group called The Wall Dogs, highly-skilled painters and mural artists from around the world, descended on Algoma to brighten up the block. David Petri was the project coordinator.

"I was offering a different thing that could change the community and bring the community together, and I had a lot of people behind me and supporting me, and that really meant a lot," Petri explained.

Ten murals were created by just over 100 artists. They brushed them out in just a few days.

"They painted section by section and we could watch them build each scene as they went," said Christy Harris of Off the Hook Coffee House.

The images are a reflection of the past: the products, people and places with historical significance to Algoma.

While some of the paintings are already starting to show their age, the recent addition to Algoma's storied history is a colorful one.