Montgomery Livery Stable Mural In The Works

MONTGOMERY, TX -- Just weeks after a set of three livery stable tokens were presented to the Montgomery Historical Society by the owners of the Texas & Beyond Mini Plaza, Anthony and Rebecca Noreiga, a new mural project has been started on the north side of the building, located at 14259 Liberty Street in Historic Montgomery. The property on which the store currently sits, is where the original stable once stood, and when the Noreiga’s came into possession of the old tokens, the idea of a mural became a thought, which has now come into fruition.

The mural, which is a representation of what the livery stable may have looked like in the 1850s, is being painted on the north side of the purple building by Montgomery artist Amy McCain, who has worked on projects in Conroe.

The Noreiga’s consulted with Montgomery County Historical Commission Chair Larry Foerster, by reviewing pictures of what stables looked like in the 1800s in the County. A representation was chosen, and McCain started working. Interested passersby have been giving ideas such as the Historic Montgomery Goat, which is a treasured part of the city’s past. The thirsty Goat now has a coveted place on the wall.

“The mural is a gift to the Citizens of Montgomery, and the tourists,” said Rebecca Noriega. “And especially for the students who have their Historic Montgomery learning tours each year.”

Artist Amy McCain grew up in Montgomery, and attended the Art Institute of Houston, and as of late has been on a rash of dog portraits for clients in the area, but she engages in all types of art.

“The idea for the mural came from us having the tokens and wanting to give them to the historical museum,” said Rebecca Noreiga. Her and husband Anthony have adopted Montgomery as their home, and have been welcomed with open arms by the community. It was Anthony who searched out McCain for the mural, who is engaged in work on the mural during the mornings and early afternoon of dry days.

Billy Ray Duncan, President of the Montgomery Historical Society, is excited for the mural's completion, with the actual tokens located just a few feet away at the N.H. Davis Pioneer Complex & Museum.

“The Historical Society is eagerly awaiting the completion of the mural,” said Billy Ray Duncan. “We will be excited to have someone look at the livery tokens in our museum, and have them actually look across the street to see where they came from.”

No date has been set for the unveiling of the mural as of yet, but announcements will be made in time for a proper ceremony to be held.