Local Business Owner Brings Frontenac History to Life
K. Hervey
FRONTENAC - You'll have to look twice and look often to see all the details hidden in the mural along Mike Hagerty's workshop in the old Obertos Texeco building. Hagerty and his family are longtime Frontenac residents with more than a little Raider pride.
So when he wanted to spruce up the side of his workshop, which had previously been among other things, the original Wiseman's Tires. It was no surprise he chose Frontenac as the theme. The mural, a creation of talented artist Jenna Spencer celebrates the connection to the town with a few nods to Hagerty's family.
According to Hagerty, the two wanted to create something that was both timeless and able to change. So Spencer filled the metal building wall with strong elements to carry the piece, like carts from Palluccas, and a flyer for the Karlinger band, and Hagerty added elements attached to magnets as he pleased. Currently, a flotilla of hot air balloons cascades across the mural, but they will likely be replaced with something new soon.
Hagerty thinks of his mural as a nod to history while still being a fun where's Waldo Waldo-style adventure for the community. Remembering his love of the Busy Town Series as a child Hagerty randomly hides one of the more famous characters, changing its position often. It was important to Hagerty that the mural be fun and interesting to the community while sprucing up the old gas station's later addition. Some elements of the mural are deeply personal. Mike's late mother's ladybug camper is snuggled into the back of the mural, while his two dogs appear happily snoozing towards the front. It's a mix of fun nods to the community and a forever-changing canvas of meaning.
For Hagerty this is all part of his personality, which is as creative and onery, as it is business-minded. Hagerty owns Past Time Antiques and Flea Market on Hwy 69. An eclectic place with a little something for everyone and proudly displays and sells many of the area's historical pieces, like pieces from the original 1106 Diner in Pittsburg.
He has been well known for years as the person who would happily buy Frontenac memorabilia. Long before Heritage Hall and its collection were created, Hagerty was squirreling away or helping Frontenac history find a home with people who appreciated it. He fondly remembers buying one of the massive old scoreboards from guys who brought it to his house balancing it between two bicycles. It still lives at his house although he's considering donating it to the new library. Now Frontenac history is being celebrated and Hagerty says he's happy for it, and the contribution he can make to it with his mural.
The mural is located on the east corner of McKay and Cayuga Streets and the details are best viewed by foot. Parking downtown and walking is recommended as the neighboring residential area has limited parking. The ringing of Mr Hagerty's Willy Wonka-style "Do not Disturb" bell should be done with caution, a good sense of humor, and not by anyone with a heart condition.
