W. T. FLETCHER MEMORIAL MURALS - GRANT HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Indigenous People Student Union (IPSU) wants the Fletcher Memorial Murals removed. Talks are being held between the Grant High School Alumni Association, IPSU and Portland Public Schools Administration. The matter is being sent to the Portland School Board for a decision. The removal of the murals is part of a nationwide effort to destroy stereotype images of Indigenous People.
We welcome comments from Grant Alumni regarding the removal of art in our school.
Use the contact mural committee tab to send your message to the Alumni Association. We need your support for us to go forward.
Without restoration, these valuable cultural murals may be lost forever.
We welcome comments from Grant Alumni regarding the removal of art in our school.
Use the contact mural committee tab to send your message to the Alumni Association. We need your support for us to go forward.
Without restoration, these valuable cultural murals may be lost forever.
June 3, 2017 - Last time the Fletcher Memorial Murals were seen publicly. Click here: Screens presently hide the murals.
ALUMNI RESPONSES TO OPB BROADCAST
Comments in Response to OPB Broadcast
The murals are an integral part of Grant and a valuable part of the history of Portland and Oregon. In examining them, I am puzzled as to how they , in any way, denigrate any group, The symbolism, of reaching toward the sun, to me is emblematic of striving to do one's best. Both groups portrayed are depicted in a respectful manner. Once lost, there is no way to recover them. Please give very serious consideration to letting future generations of Grant students see and be inspired by them, as three generations of my family has been.
Sincerely, Penny Sawyer Luckenbaugh GHS 1956.
Beautiful art depicts hope and love.
Mary Caye Carlson (Wahoske 1962)
My parents graduated from Grant and both my husband and I graduated in 1958 from Grant HS. We have a an appreciation for fine art. I was on the Art Staff while there and I was taught by Darle Herman to understand the beauty of art. As a student I participated in making banners for the school entry hall. Art was all around us. Why take it away? It is our heritage.
Susan Wrenn
I graduated from Grant in 1964 and my mother graduated in 1933. For four years I attended assemblies and other events in the Grant auditorium. These beautiful murals, exactly historically accurate or not, are a part of Grant and it’s history. The murals themselves should be designated an historical landmark and, therefore, exempt from the potential removal requested by a small minority of people who want to destroy such art. The idea of adding a third mural prominently placed somewhere at Grant seems a good way to correct any misunderstandings of history. Although I am not Native American, I have always heard that such groups are a small minority among those in this category. We have bent to the wishes of small minority groups too often. Save the murals.
Mary Grulke Brown Class of 1964
Please add my vote in support of saving the murals at Grant High School. They represent an accurate and valuable cultural snapshot of a former time. There is no thinking and reasonable person who would interpret these beautiful murals as a stereotype of indigenous people. Please do not allow the voices of a few people cast out these murals. Sincerely, Steve Knight, Class of 1965
The Fletcher Murals have been part of Grant High’s cultural and historical legacy for 95 years. The Murals depict our school’s namesake General Grant, who won the Civil War and went on to become President, over sighting Reconstruction, desegregation, and ongoing Western expansion of our country. Also represented is Susan B. Anthony, a supporting hero of Woman’s rights at turn of century in regard to their access to advanced education and the eventual right to vote. Murals idealistically and beautifully illustrate importance of upward educational growth of young people of all genders and race. Native American student criticism of the Mural is based on the seemingly friendly encounter of Euro pilgrims and an Indian tribe. Idealism but not reality of the times. This can become a teaching point thru collateral Mural commentary.
Richard Fulmer
Please save and restore the Fletcher Memorial Murals for the present and future students, alumni, and faculty and staff. These murals represent a historically valuable and unique cultural treasure, created specifically for U.S. Grant High School. The Fletcher Memorial Murals are especially relevant in the twenty-first century as they point us to unity, idealism, striving for the best, and hope for our lives. I am an alumna from the class of 1958 My Father, Clarence B. MAY taught on the faculty of U.S. Grant High School for 30 years.
Dora May Reader
There is absolutely nothing intrinsically wrong with the murals from the Grant auditorium. They are idealistic and what we all wish the world were like. If anyone--students, teachers, principal--sees something else in them, they are seeing a problem that is NOT there. I would suggest that the value (dollars and historical) of the murals far outweighs the few who do not understand art history. This is perhaps a chance for them to learn a bit more about how art comes into play in our world. None of us agrees with the message every single piece of art carries. A lot of alums paid to restore these items, and I'd like to think that carries some weight. We did not do this as an idle choice, but because we see the overall value. Someone in their teens and many adults are incapable of doing that.
Karen Esterholdt
Please save these murals! They are art and express an ideal, even though some feel they are historically inaccurate. ( I don't believe the artist was trying to portray history, but the ideal of peaceful relations between the settlers and the native people.) These are beautiful murals and portray the quest for knowledge of the students. Thank you for hearing all comments concerning this issue.
Linda (Meier) Robbins, Grant HS Class of 1963
The murals are historically significant and perhaps the most artistically valuable artwork in the school district. The murals represent the artist's vision of a more peaceful world. It was not intended to be historically accurate; it is a work of art extolling the virtues of education and peaceful contacts between peoples; the world as the artist wants it to be. It is an idealization and a goal we should all want to pursue. Neither the Native Americans nor the settlers are portrayed in a degrading or demeaning manner. Grant's defeat of the Confederacy and the freeing of the slaves is an important part of the mural's message as is Susan B Anthony's quest for female suffrage. These are all messages we should embrace not white wash. Certainly we should educate all students about the treatment of Native Americans and what happened historically. The murals could be a cornerstone of that continuing education and learning opportunity.
Charles Greenberg
Here is another effort by those who want to erase everything that they choose to be offended by. The Fletcher Memorial Murals are historic art that deserves to be saved. The Portland School Board had best reject the idea of removing the murals. Removing them would be the same to Portland as the Taliban's destruction of art and monuments in Afghanistan was to the world. This mural was created to celebrate knowledge and progress. They are irreplaceable. May I also point out that the supreme court has ruled that such monuments should stand. They are part of our history regardless of some few choose to be offended. What about the rest of us? WE ARE OFFENDED BY THE IDEA OF REMOVING THE MURALS. Removing the murals my very well trigger a lengthy court challenge.
Steven Jones
I listened to the broadcast presentation with interest and also heartfelt sadness. It seems that our world today is all about "reality," whether it be in TV shows, news reports, or issues regarding the accuracy or inaccuracy of historical events. No one at any time, either in the history of our country, government, or in our own personal lives, is perfect. We hopefully learn from our mistakes. Our country's history is full of inaccuracies, prejudice, violence, hate, and all other issues that in our day are regarded as inappropriate or hurtful, that in some way damage or offend. Don't we all go through times of learning from our mistakes? We have become used to asserting our "rights." We all believe that it is our right to speak out, even to demand those rights, even when sought in a mean-spirited way. And if history, which is in the past, conflicts with our present view, the trend is to eliminate it. Wipe it out. Pretend none of it ever happened. Label various values, such as a belief in God, as old fashioned. Tear down the statues, destroy all evidence that makes us uncomfortable, that makes us HUMAN. My question and concern is that in the midst of all of this dissension, coming from political powers on down, whatever will happen to our recognition of that which is truly good. The murals at Grant High School are the perfect example of something good. Not ignoring the fact that historically they are priceless as art that depicts a certain style and beauty from a long-ago era, how can we not appreciate the artist's intent to portray the ideal, which includes gaining knowledge, standing for peace and other qualities mentioned in the written message on the murals, then leave it at that! The artist's intent was not to portray history as it happened, but to point out the good that is possible. Anyone who takes art seriously in any form---painting, literature, music, sculpture---must go beyond the historic in order to express their intent to share their own "ideals." An artist, if he is true to his craft, has a passion to make the world a better place, using his gift to create something of beauty, something that makes humanity a little bit better. The criteria for his work does not always include historical accuracy. How can we get past the idea that looking for ways to be offended is at the top of our list when viewing ANYTHING of value. Perhaps we are confused about what beauty and value mean these days. We can't just enjoy art for art's sake or for what the artist is trying to tell us. We must pick it apart, look for ways that we feel left out or are singled out, always with our RIGHTS in mind. It gets tiresome. It spoils everything that could unite. We claim to seek for liberty and justice for all. What about other claims to seek for honesty, kindness, goodness, beauty, and appreciating one another, especially our own unique gifts and talents? It would be a tragedy to remove the murals and hide them away. It's time to get past being offended and learn to see the good, for goodness' sake.
Shauna Jones
Thanks John for sending this recording. It totally took me by surprise. The historical importance and artistic value must be considered in the decision to keep the murals in place. I appreciate your time in keeping the alumni and me informed!
With sincere thanks Marilynn Arm
PPS do not bow down to just a few voices. Listen to the majority who would like the murals preserved.
Pam Thompson
Save this original work of art that has been in Grant's Auditorium since it was built.Other pieces of art that reflect current views can be installed elsewhere. I have deep feeling and roots in Grant High School. My father,C. B. May, was in the original faculty and he continued until his retirement in 1956. My sister Dora R. May graduated in '58 and myself in '63. Many other family members also have graduate, our blood flows blue and gray. We all sat in front of the murals during important occasions while assembled in the Auditorium. and the murals framed these events Save these beautiful art pieces.
Cynthia May Gage '63
As a 1963 graduate of Grant High School, I spent many days in the auditorium looking at the fine Fletcher murals. I contributed to their restoration. The murals are a part of the history on Grant, Oregon and the United States. To destroy them or cover them at the request of a small group in the name of political correctness would be a travesty. While I understand the feelings of this minority group, they must also understand our feelings. Perhaps the murals can show a better way, a reminder of our past grievances. But PLEASE do not cover or destroy them. This would be the ultimate insult to our history. Perhaps another urla could be painted elsewhere that would satisfy the complaining group? It is the Board’s responsibility to preserve and protect our heritage and our history as well as seeing to the future. Now is your chance to do the right thing.
Ann Thompson
The murals are an integral part of Grant and a valuable part of the history of Portland and Oregon. In examining them, I am puzzled as to how they , in any way, denigrate any group, The symbolism, of reaching toward the sun, to me is emblematic of striving to do one's best. Both groups portrayed are depicted in a respectful manner. Once lost, there is no way to recover them. Please give very serious consideration to letting future generations of Grant students see and be inspired by them, as three generations of my family has been.
Sincerely, Penny Sawyer Luckenbaugh GHS 1956.
Beautiful art depicts hope and love.
Mary Caye Carlson (Wahoske 1962)
My parents graduated from Grant and both my husband and I graduated in 1958 from Grant HS. We have a an appreciation for fine art. I was on the Art Staff while there and I was taught by Darle Herman to understand the beauty of art. As a student I participated in making banners for the school entry hall. Art was all around us. Why take it away? It is our heritage.
Susan Wrenn
I graduated from Grant in 1964 and my mother graduated in 1933. For four years I attended assemblies and other events in the Grant auditorium. These beautiful murals, exactly historically accurate or not, are a part of Grant and it’s history. The murals themselves should be designated an historical landmark and, therefore, exempt from the potential removal requested by a small minority of people who want to destroy such art. The idea of adding a third mural prominently placed somewhere at Grant seems a good way to correct any misunderstandings of history. Although I am not Native American, I have always heard that such groups are a small minority among those in this category. We have bent to the wishes of small minority groups too often. Save the murals.
Mary Grulke Brown Class of 1964
Please add my vote in support of saving the murals at Grant High School. They represent an accurate and valuable cultural snapshot of a former time. There is no thinking and reasonable person who would interpret these beautiful murals as a stereotype of indigenous people. Please do not allow the voices of a few people cast out these murals. Sincerely, Steve Knight, Class of 1965
The Fletcher Murals have been part of Grant High’s cultural and historical legacy for 95 years. The Murals depict our school’s namesake General Grant, who won the Civil War and went on to become President, over sighting Reconstruction, desegregation, and ongoing Western expansion of our country. Also represented is Susan B. Anthony, a supporting hero of Woman’s rights at turn of century in regard to their access to advanced education and the eventual right to vote. Murals idealistically and beautifully illustrate importance of upward educational growth of young people of all genders and race. Native American student criticism of the Mural is based on the seemingly friendly encounter of Euro pilgrims and an Indian tribe. Idealism but not reality of the times. This can become a teaching point thru collateral Mural commentary.
Richard Fulmer
Please save and restore the Fletcher Memorial Murals for the present and future students, alumni, and faculty and staff. These murals represent a historically valuable and unique cultural treasure, created specifically for U.S. Grant High School. The Fletcher Memorial Murals are especially relevant in the twenty-first century as they point us to unity, idealism, striving for the best, and hope for our lives. I am an alumna from the class of 1958 My Father, Clarence B. MAY taught on the faculty of U.S. Grant High School for 30 years.
Dora May Reader
There is absolutely nothing intrinsically wrong with the murals from the Grant auditorium. They are idealistic and what we all wish the world were like. If anyone--students, teachers, principal--sees something else in them, they are seeing a problem that is NOT there. I would suggest that the value (dollars and historical) of the murals far outweighs the few who do not understand art history. This is perhaps a chance for them to learn a bit more about how art comes into play in our world. None of us agrees with the message every single piece of art carries. A lot of alums paid to restore these items, and I'd like to think that carries some weight. We did not do this as an idle choice, but because we see the overall value. Someone in their teens and many adults are incapable of doing that.
Karen Esterholdt
Please save these murals! They are art and express an ideal, even though some feel they are historically inaccurate. ( I don't believe the artist was trying to portray history, but the ideal of peaceful relations between the settlers and the native people.) These are beautiful murals and portray the quest for knowledge of the students. Thank you for hearing all comments concerning this issue.
Linda (Meier) Robbins, Grant HS Class of 1963
The murals are historically significant and perhaps the most artistically valuable artwork in the school district. The murals represent the artist's vision of a more peaceful world. It was not intended to be historically accurate; it is a work of art extolling the virtues of education and peaceful contacts between peoples; the world as the artist wants it to be. It is an idealization and a goal we should all want to pursue. Neither the Native Americans nor the settlers are portrayed in a degrading or demeaning manner. Grant's defeat of the Confederacy and the freeing of the slaves is an important part of the mural's message as is Susan B Anthony's quest for female suffrage. These are all messages we should embrace not white wash. Certainly we should educate all students about the treatment of Native Americans and what happened historically. The murals could be a cornerstone of that continuing education and learning opportunity.
Charles Greenberg
Here is another effort by those who want to erase everything that they choose to be offended by. The Fletcher Memorial Murals are historic art that deserves to be saved. The Portland School Board had best reject the idea of removing the murals. Removing them would be the same to Portland as the Taliban's destruction of art and monuments in Afghanistan was to the world. This mural was created to celebrate knowledge and progress. They are irreplaceable. May I also point out that the supreme court has ruled that such monuments should stand. They are part of our history regardless of some few choose to be offended. What about the rest of us? WE ARE OFFENDED BY THE IDEA OF REMOVING THE MURALS. Removing the murals my very well trigger a lengthy court challenge.
Steven Jones
I listened to the broadcast presentation with interest and also heartfelt sadness. It seems that our world today is all about "reality," whether it be in TV shows, news reports, or issues regarding the accuracy or inaccuracy of historical events. No one at any time, either in the history of our country, government, or in our own personal lives, is perfect. We hopefully learn from our mistakes. Our country's history is full of inaccuracies, prejudice, violence, hate, and all other issues that in our day are regarded as inappropriate or hurtful, that in some way damage or offend. Don't we all go through times of learning from our mistakes? We have become used to asserting our "rights." We all believe that it is our right to speak out, even to demand those rights, even when sought in a mean-spirited way. And if history, which is in the past, conflicts with our present view, the trend is to eliminate it. Wipe it out. Pretend none of it ever happened. Label various values, such as a belief in God, as old fashioned. Tear down the statues, destroy all evidence that makes us uncomfortable, that makes us HUMAN. My question and concern is that in the midst of all of this dissension, coming from political powers on down, whatever will happen to our recognition of that which is truly good. The murals at Grant High School are the perfect example of something good. Not ignoring the fact that historically they are priceless as art that depicts a certain style and beauty from a long-ago era, how can we not appreciate the artist's intent to portray the ideal, which includes gaining knowledge, standing for peace and other qualities mentioned in the written message on the murals, then leave it at that! The artist's intent was not to portray history as it happened, but to point out the good that is possible. Anyone who takes art seriously in any form---painting, literature, music, sculpture---must go beyond the historic in order to express their intent to share their own "ideals." An artist, if he is true to his craft, has a passion to make the world a better place, using his gift to create something of beauty, something that makes humanity a little bit better. The criteria for his work does not always include historical accuracy. How can we get past the idea that looking for ways to be offended is at the top of our list when viewing ANYTHING of value. Perhaps we are confused about what beauty and value mean these days. We can't just enjoy art for art's sake or for what the artist is trying to tell us. We must pick it apart, look for ways that we feel left out or are singled out, always with our RIGHTS in mind. It gets tiresome. It spoils everything that could unite. We claim to seek for liberty and justice for all. What about other claims to seek for honesty, kindness, goodness, beauty, and appreciating one another, especially our own unique gifts and talents? It would be a tragedy to remove the murals and hide them away. It's time to get past being offended and learn to see the good, for goodness' sake.
Shauna Jones
Thanks John for sending this recording. It totally took me by surprise. The historical importance and artistic value must be considered in the decision to keep the murals in place. I appreciate your time in keeping the alumni and me informed!
With sincere thanks Marilynn Arm
PPS do not bow down to just a few voices. Listen to the majority who would like the murals preserved.
Pam Thompson
Save this original work of art that has been in Grant's Auditorium since it was built.Other pieces of art that reflect current views can be installed elsewhere. I have deep feeling and roots in Grant High School. My father,C. B. May, was in the original faculty and he continued until his retirement in 1956. My sister Dora R. May graduated in '58 and myself in '63. Many other family members also have graduate, our blood flows blue and gray. We all sat in front of the murals during important occasions while assembled in the Auditorium. and the murals framed these events Save these beautiful art pieces.
Cynthia May Gage '63
As a 1963 graduate of Grant High School, I spent many days in the auditorium looking at the fine Fletcher murals. I contributed to their restoration. The murals are a part of the history on Grant, Oregon and the United States. To destroy them or cover them at the request of a small group in the name of political correctness would be a travesty. While I understand the feelings of this minority group, they must also understand our feelings. Perhaps the murals can show a better way, a reminder of our past grievances. But PLEASE do not cover or destroy them. This would be the ultimate insult to our history. Perhaps another urla could be painted elsewhere that would satisfy the complaining group? It is the Board’s responsibility to preserve and protect our heritage and our history as well as seeing to the future. Now is your chance to do the right thing.
Ann Thompson
The Leo Lester Browne Charitable Fund Challenge has ended. Our goal of $100,000 was matched by the Charitable Fund.
We are no longer accepting donations to the mural fund. Donations designed for this fund will be applied to the general fund.
There are two easy ways to make your donation
Mail a check payable to:
GRANT HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 13291
PORTLAND, OR 97212
or
Use PayPal (click here)
Please include the year you graduated and your school name if it is different from the name we knew you by from school.
Prior to the Grant modernization project, an inventory of the cultural heritage holdings in Grant High School, Portland, Oregon was conducted in collaboration with Peter Meijer Architect.
Multiple on site visits were made to identify and examine the works, referencing the PPS art inventory compiled by Caryl Waters in 1989, and referencing earlier on site review conducted by Nina Olsson at the request of Doug Capps in 2007 for the PPS Magellan Study, with further research conducted in consultation with the art historian Ginny Allen. Cameron Vaughn Tyler was interviewed regarding stewardship and tracking of the collection.
The survey included visual arts holdings in the Grant High School building represent a wide range of works, from paintings on canvas and murals, to works on paper such as prints, photographs and books.
The Fletcher Memorial Murals constitute the most significant and valuable cultural heritage asset at Grant High School. The artist, Carl Hoeckner, is considered historically significant, especially in the context of early 20th century Chicago, where mural painting as a genre flourished and was influential throughout the USA. The murals were conceived and produced specifically for the Grant High School space. Since the murals were coeval with the construction of the Auditorium, and not a later addition, the optimal conservation approach would leave the murals in their current site, and treatment would be conducted in situ.
Since the murals were dedicated in 1932, significant deterioration has occurred. Some of the damage was caused by light, specifically the UV and Infra Red spectra. There is also some delamination and blisters. Previous restoration treatment also caused some damage. In addition, some abrasions, burns and other surface damages are visible in the lower half of the compositions, perhaps due to the greater accessibility to surface. There is also evidence of a large splatter from vandalism.
We are no longer accepting donations to the mural fund. Donations designed for this fund will be applied to the general fund.
There are two easy ways to make your donation
Mail a check payable to:
GRANT HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 13291
PORTLAND, OR 97212
or
Use PayPal (click here)
Please include the year you graduated and your school name if it is different from the name we knew you by from school.
Prior to the Grant modernization project, an inventory of the cultural heritage holdings in Grant High School, Portland, Oregon was conducted in collaboration with Peter Meijer Architect.
Multiple on site visits were made to identify and examine the works, referencing the PPS art inventory compiled by Caryl Waters in 1989, and referencing earlier on site review conducted by Nina Olsson at the request of Doug Capps in 2007 for the PPS Magellan Study, with further research conducted in consultation with the art historian Ginny Allen. Cameron Vaughn Tyler was interviewed regarding stewardship and tracking of the collection.
The survey included visual arts holdings in the Grant High School building represent a wide range of works, from paintings on canvas and murals, to works on paper such as prints, photographs and books.
The Fletcher Memorial Murals constitute the most significant and valuable cultural heritage asset at Grant High School. The artist, Carl Hoeckner, is considered historically significant, especially in the context of early 20th century Chicago, where mural painting as a genre flourished and was influential throughout the USA. The murals were conceived and produced specifically for the Grant High School space. Since the murals were coeval with the construction of the Auditorium, and not a later addition, the optimal conservation approach would leave the murals in their current site, and treatment would be conducted in situ.
Since the murals were dedicated in 1932, significant deterioration has occurred. Some of the damage was caused by light, specifically the UV and Infra Red spectra. There is also some delamination and blisters. Previous restoration treatment also caused some damage. In addition, some abrasions, burns and other surface damages are visible in the lower half of the compositions, perhaps due to the greater accessibility to surface. There is also evidence of a large splatter from vandalism.
Mural being protected during the school remodeling.
