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08/15/2023 10:58 AMThe Economic Development Commission (EDC) is seeking donation pledges to fund a public mural downtown that would celebrate Westbrook’s maritime history.
In an effort to draw attention to Westbrook’s downtown and celebrate the town’s history, the EDC hopes to fund the painting of a mural on the side of The Turtle Café facing Route 1 in downtown Westbrook.
Artist Tony Falcone has been commissioned to paint a mural depicting three arches that showcase three vessels that have historical significance to Westbrook: The Turtle, the David Crockett, and a sloop.
EDC Chairman Jim Crawford stressed that no town money would be used to fund the mural, estimated to cost $32,000. Instead, the town has applied for two grants to offset the cost. The EDC is looking for an additional $14,000 in donations to fund the rest of the project.
Crawford said that pledges of any amount will be accepted through Sept. 15. In addition to pledges, Crawford said there are different packages available that will come with recognition. For $100, people can have a brick inscribed with their name placed by the mural. For donations of $5,000 and over, a barrel or lobster pot will be embedded in the mural with the company or individual donor’s name. The company or individual name will also be included on a plaque by the mural. A framed photo with the artist and mural, as well as an invitation to participate in the celebration when the mural is completed, will also be included.
For donations of 1,000 to $4,999, the company or individual donor will also be included on a plaque by the mural as well as a framed photo with the artist and an invitation to participate in the celebration when the mural is completed.
All pledges can be made by contacting Crawford at 860-399-0260.
Maritime History in Westbrook
Westbrook’s relationship with the sea isn’t something new. While today the beaches and marinas are often named the town’s biggest attractions, Westbrook has also contributed significantly to maritime history.
One of the vessels depicted in the mural is the Turtle — America’s first submarine and the first submarine to ever be used in war. The vessel was created by David Bushnell, a Westbrook resident who grew up on a farm near the intersection of Essex and McVeagh roads during the Revolutionary War. The real Turtle was eventually captured and sank by the British, but a replica now sits in Westbrook’s Town Hall.
The other vessels depicted are a clipper ship and a sloop.
“The large one is a clipper ship used in the trade with the Far East. It’s the David Crockett captained by Joseph Spencer of Westbrook. These ships set many travel and cargo records during the mid-19th century,” Crawford explained.
“The smaller boat is a sloop used in the coastal trade in New England. Many of these boats were built and sailed out of Westbrook. The island shown behind the boat is Salt Island off Westbrook shore where a vigorous trade in salt was in full swing, and the sloop’s the main transport,” Crawford continued.
Crawford said the idea for the mural has been percolating for about five years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea was placed on the back burner for a while.
“When Town Planner Peter Gillespie came onboard, things kind of picked up again,” Crawford said.
Crawford added that the EDC plans to reapply for a grant from the Westbrook Foundation in the fall to help cover the costs of the mural.