Fred Oldfield Murals

Over the course of Fred's Life as an artist, he has been involved in the painting of many Murals. Some of these murals he has done by himself and others he has been joined by or joined with other artists to produce.

We have decided that there is no better place to familiarize people with these accomplishments than right here on the Fred Oldfield Western Heritage & Art Center's own web site. We sincerely hope that seeing the photos of these murals will prompt you to go out and see the actual murals because the photographs we have here simply cannot do them justice.

If you are aware of any murals that we do not have depicted on our pages please bring them to our attention. You can call us at:
1-253-445-9175 or toll free at 1-866-445-9175
or email us at -- fowhc-info@fredoldfieldcenter.org
 

Toppenish Mural Society

Snow on the ground, a crisp chill in the air, a hot cup of coffee extended to a friend...Christmas Day in the Old West. Feel the brisk wind on your cheek and the glow of the campfire capturing a warm, nostalgic moment in the early days of Toppenish. Again, Fred Oldfield applies his firsthand knowledge of the times to portray the past. Oldfield has fond childhood memories of Logy Creek, his favorite camping and fishing spot. Today, he tells many lively stories of his adventures there. This mural has been reproduced in the national magazine, "Art of the West."

Stand close and you can almost hear the thunderous sounds of battle. In 1855, 84 troops from Fort Dalles in Oregon and an estimated 1000 Yakama Indians clashed at a site a few miles southwest of Toppenish.

The expedition, led by Major Granville Owen Haller, was in retribution for the ambush and murder of Indian agent A.J. Bolon. The troops, though heavily outnumbered, fought for three days, then buried their howitzer and retreated under the cover of darkness. Major Haller was later disciplined for this act of cowardice.

Potatoes, introduced into the Washington Territory in the 1830s, became a staple crop for many farmers of this area. By the early 1900s, the Yakima Valley had as many as 2,000 potato farms. The back-breaking labor of the mid- summer harvest was a stark contrast to the gentle hues of the foothills defining the valley.

In his younger days, artist Fred Oldfield had the distinction of being a champion spud-picker! He could pick up to 300 65-pound sacks of potatoes when the average was 200 sacks per day. Wages for pickers then were between one and two cents per sack.

The Bouchey families, local potato farmers, commissioned this work for the Mural Society. They also created a small park across the street for enjoyment of the mural

http://www.toppenish.net/toppenish/guide.aspx

Horseshoe Cafe Murals

The Original Horseshoe opened its doors in downtown Bellingham on Holly Street to satisfy the large appetites of these tough, ornery folks in the summer of 1886. Of course The ‘Shoe offered its clientele some creature comforts as well, like the finest selection of cigars and tobaccos in these parts, as well as hunting supplies and tackle, (the combination of those a-romas can only be imagined).

By the early 1900’s, The ‘Shoe was establishing itself as one of the best places in the Bellingham area for great food, fine tobaccos and a place to meet with friends over a good beer or other adult beverage. In 1950, The Original Horseshoe Café became the first ‘licensed’ Bar in Whatcom County, allowing people to legally ‘belly-up’ for a few little ‘nippers’.

In 1958, The ‘Shoe moved across the street from its original location (now the Bank Of America building) to the current site, still on Holly Street in historic downtown Bellingham. Later that year, world-renowned artist Fred Oldfield was hired to paint a mural depicting a western scene covering the entire wall behind the bar in the ‘Ranch Room’. It’s still there for your viewing pleasure, even as you read this.

The Original Horseshoe Café. Located at 113 East Holly Street, downtown Bellingham since 1886.

http://www.horseshoecafe.com/

Copper Creek Restaurant Mural

Copper Creek Inn was Built in the 1920’s as a Service station and lunch counter. It had a bootleg whisky still hidden in the wall between the lunch counter & the garage. Upstairs rooms were completed in 1935 to house local loggers and later the staff at Copper Creek Cafe.

The building was purchased in 1946 by Roselea Triggs & her husband, Harry Long. Together they opened Copper Creek Cafe. Harry was the cook. Rosalea, a striking beauty who had a brief career in Burlesque, was the waitress. Shortly after opening the cafe, Harry left Rosalea. Unable to cook, Roselea was rescued by a local logger who started showing up in the mornings to make breakfast. Word spread quickly in the valley and they soon had a vibrant trade. Back on her feet, Rosalea was able to hire a full time cook, Virgie Smith, who worked many years with Rosalea.

Copper Creek Cafe gained notoriety as a “Bottle Club”, where customers brought their own bottle, purchasing mixer for their drinks. Laughter and music from The 1917 Werlitzer Juke Box filled the Cafe.

Copper Creek Cafe bacame a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors to Mount Rainier National Park. Those who remember Roselea speak fondly of her kindness, fairness and wisdom. She's been called "The light of the community" by those who knew her.

The famous mural at Copper Creek Inn at Mount Rainier was painted in 1955 by Fred Oldfield, a neighbor and friend of Copper Creek's owner Roselea Triggs in the 50's. . . It adorns the back wall of the dining room.

Copper Creek Restaurant is famous for it's old fashioned cooking and hospitality. Located just two miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mt Rainier National Park.

 
coppercreek@greatgetaways.com http://www.greatgetaways.com/coppercreek/history-restaurant.html

Hattie's Hat Restaurant Mural

"Seattle's true soul comes from Scandinavia and this place is the epicenter of that cultural heritage. The new owners have restored the stunning Fred Oldfield murals, buffed up the 100 year old carved mahogany bar, and spruced up the standard fare menu. The goal: to attract new customers while continuing to serve the regulars breakfast anytime, lutefisk in the spring, and no nonsense drinks in an atmosphere any fisherman would feel comfortable in."

The '50s-era Scandinavian ski-lodge-scene mural behind the diner counter has been cleaned and brightened but not altered. If the mural's mid-century realism looks familiar, it might be because creator Fred Oldfield also painted wall scenes for Village Lanes, the original El Gaucho, the Dog House (all gone now), and Ernie Steele's

 
http://www.hattieshat.com/