Local scout brings historic painting to Polson

Mural hung in Glacier Park Lodge during the early 1900s

By BRETT BERNTSEN

Lake County Leader

POLSON – After awing visitors at the historic Glacier Park Lodge during the early 1900s, a piece of Montana art history now has a new home in Polson thanks to the efforts of 13-year-old Polson Eagle Scout Ethan McCauley.

To fulfill his badge requirements, McCauley raised over $10,000 to restore the 10-foot-wide mural, which unveiled in the courthouse atrium on Monday.

Originally commissioned by railroad magnet Louis Hill in 1913, the painting named “St. Mary Lodge” was one of 15

water-damaged canvasses rescued from the trash by East Glacier grocery store owners Robert and Leona Brown in 1950. The murals sat in the Brown’s garage for nearly 50 years before they were donated to the Hockaday Museum in Kalispell.

McCauley said he came up with the idea to bring to mural to Polson after reading an article published by the museum about the restoration efforts. Choosing the largest of the collection, McCauley set out raising money and public awareness.

“I think this will be an inspiration for the community,” he said during an unveiling ceremony.

Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron officially accepted the painting, which the museum has loaned to the county for the next two years.

“We enthusiastically jumped at this opportunity,” Barron said. “People might ask why we would want a picture of Flathead County? But it’s a piece of history and a national treasure.”

Hockaday Museum Executive Director Tracy Johnson said that the restoration was a joint effort between McCauley and various art groups.

“It took a community effort just to get it on the wall,” she said. “It’s really heavy.”

For McCauley, the Eagle Scout project was yet another achievement by the 13-year-old. Earlier this fall he earned his black belt in karate as well. As for the latest accolade, McCauley expressed a sense of satisfaction as the end goal was finally revealed.

“Now it’s over,” he said.