Efforts Underway to Help Save the Historic Mural at Douglas High School

A dedicated group of Douglas High School alumni is rallying to save a cherished mosaic mural that has inspired generations of students. Faced with budget shortfalls due to rising costs, they are seeking community support to ensure this historic piece returns to its rightful place, continuing to teach and inspire for years to come. Here is their press release: "In 1953, three University of Oregon students created a beautiful mosaic mural that has been a beloved part of Douglas High School for over 70 years. The mural has two sides. One side shows a world symbol with a white hand shaking a multicolored hand, along with a quote from Thomas Jefferson: "Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error." There are also ten symbols, including one that spells "peace" in Morse code. The other side features five religious symbols representing Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Taoism. It also has a smiling sun, a fruit-bearing tree, seven white doves in flight, and four figures of different colors representing different races. This side is accompanied by the quote, "The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren." For decades, this mural has been an important part of Douglas High School, teaching students and visitors valuable lessons. Its message is as meaningful today as it was 70 years ago, impacting many who have attended or visited the school. In 2022, during a complete campus remodel, the mural was scheduled for demolition. When the Winston-Dillard School District had not planned or budgeted to save the mural, alumni quickly organized a committee to rescue it. They held numerous meetings with the school board to discuss funding, the mural's structural integrity, and its placement in the new school. Thanks to the generosity of many and the hard work of Ken Hale Construction, the mural was moved onto a trailer and has been kept on private property for over three years. Alumni continued fundraising to gather the necessary funds to move the wall back to the school once the new building was completed. Now, we are ready to move the mural back. However, we face a new challenge: the budget that was once enough is no longer sufficient due to a significant increase in the cost of concrete, steel, and other materials. We are now over $12,000 short compared to last year's estimates. We need your help to bring this historic mural back to Douglas High School. Every donation, big or small, will make a difference. As a thank you, all donors will have their names included on a special plaque to be placed next to the mural, honoring their contribution. Please help us preserve this important piece of our school's history and ensure its message continues to inspire future generations. Donate today and be part of this incredible project! To make a tax-deductible donation, please use one of the following: Mail: WACP Mural Project PO Box 2613 Winston, OR 97496 Tax ID 93-1291490 WRITE DHS MURAL in memo line so we get full credit. Website: https://www.healthywinston.org/the-wall.html" Via WACP Mural Project