Expanded “Patchwork” Mural in the MRG Tunnel

On Wednesday’s rainy morning, it was a delight to come upon John Garoutte’s expansion of his “Patchwork” mural in the MRG tunnel, depicting many elements of Lebanon’s history and identity. The title itself, “Patchwork”, reflects Lebanon’s textile history of woolen and cotton mills, The mural is a patchwork of some of Lebanon’s neighborhoods with their New England vernacular architecture, historic buildings, the natural features of trees, hills, waterways, snow and ice, the varied seasons. Packard Hill covered bridge, Mascoma Lake, Storrs Hill.

And in this historic railroad tunnel, a reminder of how we have transported ourselves through the centuries, by river, train, on foot, car, airplane, bikes, skis, and skateboard. Do visit and follow the progress of this vibrant addtion to the MRG tunnel and see what special patches you can identify!

Tunnel Vision – John Garoutte – a Man with a Plan

P.S. Noting the buttons in the mural, I wondered if Lebanon ever had a button factory and came upon this little bit of Lebanon history:

“Henry Wood Carter, born in Concord, NH set up shop out of his house and barn in Lebanon, NH. Dubbed “The Merchant Prince”, Carter became a wide-ranging traveling peddler, driving a series of colorful horse-drawn wagons all around the region. He sold a very long list of notions domestic and foreign, dozens and dozens . . . watches, jewelry, cutlery, combs, thread, silk, buttons, perfumes, soap, wallets, guitar strings, boxes, stationery, brushes, fans, “segars”, you name it.” https://www.ephemerasociety.org/yankee-peddler/#:~:text=Henry%20Wood%20Carter%2C%20born%20in,wagons%20all%20around%20the%20region.