PHOTO PROVIDED The Sons and Daughters of Italy in Lock Haven recently had a new mural placed on the side of its building to pay tribute to the strong Italian immigrant influence that is found in the area.

The board for the Giosue Carducci Lodge for the Sons and Daughters of Italy in Lock Haven are pictured.
PHOTO PROVIDED

LOCK HAVEN — If you’re exiting state Route 220 and traveling Paul Mack Boulevard into Lock Haven, you may have taken note of a new art piece.

The Giosue Carducci Lodge for the Sons and Daughters of Italy Lock Haven recently had a large mural painted on the northern side of its building along North Henderson Street which welcomes travelers and showcases the influence Italian immigrants had on Clinton County in its early days.

“The board wanted to emphasize the Italian heritage and importance of the Italian community, which often interconnected with the railroad community in this area,” Board President Dan Vilello said.

Vilello noted his own grandfather was a long serving member of the railroad in Renovo and multiple board members and social members of the lodge have a connection to the industry that had deep roots in the area.

He said discussions about the mural began in October after the board saw the work Dripped On Productions completed in downtown Lock Haven for the city’s ongoing mural projects — particularly following the completion of a mural on Lindsey Place along Jay Street.

Vilello explained the significance for each portion of the mural, which took about two weeks to be completed by artists Denton Burrows and Jonathan Neville, founders of Dripped on Productions.

When facing the mural, the coal powered train on the left side pays tribute to the many Italian immigrants who came to this area to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad. This is emphasized by the Italian flag coloring on the front of the train.

Vilello also pointed to the tunnel the train is exiting, noting many of those who immigrated to the area were exceptional stone masons.

“The Italians who immigrated here were good stone cutters and masons,” he said. “Central Pennsylvania is filled with limestone and harder stones which were used to build the bridges, piers and tunnels.”

Vilello added many Italian immigrants also helped construct canals and those structures.

“And almost all of those structures are still standing, which shows just how good they were,” he said.

They also added on this side of the mural “Lock Haven” and “Clinton County.” Vilello said this was to note the lodge is proud to be a part of both communities.

The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is also featured, crossing from one side of the mural to the other with logs floating along its waters, paying tribute to the heavy logging community that existed in the area.

Also featured is an Italian immigrant dressed in clothing typical of the era. He’s holding a spiked maul which, Vilello noted, was used for driving spikes into railroad ties. He also has an Italian cigar in his mouth and stands next to a sign with the words “The Barbary Coast.”

Vilello said this sign is to acknowledge the number of bars that populated the area near the lodge during the 1930s through 1940s. These spaces, though a bit rough and tumble, he said, were often where many members’ families spent time during their tenure working for the railroad.

Behind all of these stands lush green mountains and small homes.

Vilello said this honors the Italian countryside and also could be considered the Appalachian Mountains.

“It’s possible they felt right at home here in these mountains because they were familiar,” he said.

Vilello said the mural was purchased by the lodge, though it has applied for a number of grants it hopes will be used to offset costs.

He thanked Denton and Neville for their work, noting they completed the project a week ahead of schedule; the Clinton County Solid Waste Authority for use of their bucket truck; and Lindsey Place for hosting the artists while they were in town.

“I really want to thank my board for committing to this project that will last a lifetime,” he added.