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Dave Dowling
Wellsboro
A year ago (3-01-25) I wrote a Letter to the Editor in the Lock Haven Express titled "Renovo, Pa -- My Hometown."
The subject was based on the idea of having the Mail Pouch Tobacco on the side of the 11th street building repainted. At the time the sign was in poor, weather worn condition in need of a "professional" paint job.
My letter was throwing hints (and Thank You) to all the nonprofit organizations that were responsible for the many awesome large Murals placed around town including the Renovo signs at each end of town and the town clock. Each and every mural, sign, clock, etc., helps to showcase the rich history of Renovo not only to the current residents, but also to past residents who still call Renovo their hometown -- as well as tourists.
After receiving many positive online comments, months past and not one nonprofit stepped up to take on this much needed project. I was willing to help, I know the history behind Mail Pouch Tobacco sign painting, I have names of several professional painters that have painted Mail Pouch Tobacco barn signs and are willing to come to Renovo.
Then, not to my surprise, a rumor had it that the Mayor of Renovo was going to tackle this project. Then it happened: With good intentions, I hope, the Mayor, obviously without any history of the importance of Mail Pouch Tobacco signs or the men who first painted thousands of them…the Mayor started painting.
The Mayor started with the easiest to paint block letters. The painted letters looked great but then sometime after that he gave up when realizing the job was too hard and time-consuming. What about the red brick background or the white border? So how does one give up on a project without looking bad.....slop some paint onto the lettering and call it..."rustic."
Mr. Mayor, please stay in your lane. Stick to your tattoo business and let a professional sign painter do it right. How about working on bringing new businesses into Renovo? That would be great.
To all nonprofits with access to grants.....my business is pledging the first $1,000 toward repainting the Mail Pouch Tobacco sign correctly, as first painted in the 1950s -- clean, crisp, and bright -- NOT "rustic."
Mr. Mayor need not apply.