Clyde

Lemke

Clyde ?Red? Lemke's talent as an artist has enabled him to bring to life the history and heritage of the City of Mascoutah. In 1975, as the city was embarking on its plan for America's bicentennial, civic groups and local government commissioned Mr. Lemke to paint a mural on the wall of an old mill in the center of town. He designed the mural to reflect all aspects of Mascoutah?from farmers and Native Americans to industry and airplanes at nearby Scott Air Force Base. Not only did Mr. Lemke direct and contribute to the project, he also involved others from the community?anyone who wanted to paint was welcome to be part of the experience, and many high school students and other citizens contributed to the project. The mural, which has been repainted twice since 1976, stands today as a symbol of Mascoutah, past and present. In 1976, it received national attention on the cover of Outdoor magazine. 1976 was also the year that the community pulled together and moved the old railroad depot to the City's Scheve Park, where it stands today as an historic remembrance of Mascoutah's past. Mr. Lemke painted the pictures that now line the walls of the old depot. His historic representations also adorn the wall of a local restaurant and the Mascoutah water tower. His most recent work is a mural on the wall of the Civic Center, which is adjacent to the local fire department, in remembrance of 9-11. It depicts a fireman rescuing a child from the twin towers.