First of Many Now Complete

Mural on Original Depew Post Office

The first of many murals for Depew is now complete. This Route 66 themed painting (left) mimicking stained glass transforms the board covered window of the Original Depew Post Office into an attractive piece of art.

Those who assisted in creating this piece were artist/designer Emily Priddy, Eastern Vice President of Oklahoma Route 66 Association, Linda Spangler of Spangler's Grocery - owner of the Original Depew Post Office building, and Dionna Marker, City Council member - presently acting Mayor.

Linda reported to Emily that she and Dionna continued to work on the mural Saturday (July 9) until 9 p.m. "We just couldn't wait to put the silver accents on the leading of the window. It is absolutely gorgeous. We have had so many compliments on it," said Linda.

During the painting process, a gap occurred where two pieces of plywood joined. Not to worry, Jay Spangler went down early Sunday morning to take it apart and rejoin the boards. When he was finished, the seam was no longer noticeable.

Murals are currently being planned for the Cantrell/Beets buildings between Spangler's Grocery and the Post Office. The fence by City Hall will also be a "canvas" for a mural.

Our Depew, Mr. Depew and Village of Depew

Mr. Chauncey Mitchell Depew

The city of Depew was first known as "Halls Station" by the railroad but was later renamed "Depew" in honor of Chauncey Mitchell Depew, a New York Senator. However, he spent his life in New York, Village of Depew, which was also named after him.

Mr. Depew was an enterprising man. He was "the president of the Hudson River and Harlem Railroad, built company headquarters in the vicinity. He and fellow investors formed the Depew Investment Company and purchased 1,000 acres of land north and south of the tracks for their enterprise. Original shareholders included John J. Albright, George Urban, Wilson Bissell and Charles Gould." (source: http://www.villageofdepew.org/history.html)

By 1893, the Village of Depew had more than 250 trains entering and leaving the city daily. This spurred construction of shops and industry. Nearly 2,000 residents of various decents (German, Polish, Swedes, English and Irish) populated the Village of Depew at the time of its incorporation on July 23, 1894. Depew, Oklahoma got its commission for post office on May 17, 1901. Three names submitted on the application were, 1) Depew; 2) Mark Hanna and 3) Thurston.

Much of the history of Village of Depew parallels with that of Depew, Oklahoma. Both were wooded areas that had to be cleared, both were influenced by Mr. Depew to some degree, grew quickly, and both are left with a legacy of beautiful historic buildings.

Astonishingly, while the mascot for our Oklahoma town of Depew is the hornet prompting this newspaper to be dubbed the "Depew Buzz", the Village of Depew has a publication named the "Depew Bee".

Community Calendar

Jul 23, 2005 - Children's Drop By Mural Painting Party

Painting begins of children's mural on the wall between Rainbow Well Service and LadyBug Florist on Main Street, Depew.

All children of the community are welcomed to come participate. Small hands will be the leaves in the trees and thumb prints for the clusters of grapes. Sketching of the design will be completed by 1:00 p.m. Parents and children are welcome to drop by anytime after 1:00 p.m. to participate in the painting party.

Paints used will be indoor/outdoor acrylic paints and will stain clothing, so parents, please bring your children in grubbies that are okay to get paint on.

Aug 6, 2005 - Depew Downtown Cleanup

Helping hands volunteers from the community and supportive organizations will gather at 9 a.m. to clean up the Historical Downtown Route 66 Main Street and Buildings removing debris, trimming grass, weeds, painting, boarding up broken windows and general improvement of the downtown appearance.

For more information contact:

Linda Spangler of Spangler's Grocery
918-324-5472

Diona Marker, Acting Mayor
918-324-5695

Emily Priddy, Eastern Vice President
Oklahoma Route 66 Association
918-445-7495