See Route 66 Murals of Cuba, Cuba, Missouri

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Cuba, Missouri was designated as the Route 66 Mural City by the Missouri legislature in recognition of Viva Cuba's Outdoor Mural Project. The beautification group consulted with Michelle Loughery, a Canadian muralist who helped create the vision and two of the murals. The group commissioned twelve outdoor murals along the Route 66 corridor. Some of the murals are: Cuba Barrels: From 1805-1920, Cuba was the largest producer, processor, and distributor of apples in the state of Missouri. The apples were shipped by train in barrels. Although the apple industry is long gone, barrel-making remains one of Cuba's most stable and productive industries. Mural artist: Shelly Smith Steiger of Cuba, Mo. Gold Star Boys: Cuba's Gold Star Boys from World War II are shown here, aboard the Blue Bonnet Frisco Train, which whisked away many of Cuba's service men to join the war. Mural artists: Michelle Loughery with assistant, Sara Lindsay of Vernon, British Columbia and Shelly Smith Steiger of Cuba, Mo. Harry Truman Campaign: Senator Harry Truman campaigned in Cuba for re-election in a very close 1940 primary. He attended Cuba's Homecoming Fair, which is, under various names, a century-old tradition. Mural artist: Jay Ferger of St. Louis, Mo. Amelia Earhart: Ameiia Earhart made a forced emergency landing in Cuba on September 4, 1928. Finding no damage to her Avro plane, she was able to continue her journey. She was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Mural artist: Shelly Smith Steiger with Julie Balough Brand of Cuba, Mo. Al West Sr.: This mural shows Al West, Sr., Cuba's mayor from 1946-1958. During that time, the city purchased the electrical system, paved and lit streets, and extended its water and sewer systems. Mural artists: Bob Whitesitt Group of St. Louis, Mo. Prosperity Corner: In the 1940's,Prosperity Corner drew citizens to meet, do business, and pass the time of day at H.H. Tieman's General Merchandise Store. Today, Haynes Shoe Store stand on the site of Prosperity Corner and reflects scenes from this period. Mural Artist: Kelly Polling of Chillicothe, Mo. The Millworks: The Millworks recreates the look of the 1948 Roberts-Judson Lumber Co. Millworks Building. The building was the site of custom woodworking and sheet metal fabrication. Mural artists are Shelly Smith Steiger and Julie Balough Brand of Cuba, Mo. Francis Nixon image painted by his daughter Julie Nixon Krovicka of St. Louis, Mo. The River: The River depicts the use of the river as a source of recreation, beauty, and transportation. During the 20's-40s, many river resorts flourished along the rivers. The mural sponsored by the Bass family of Steelville, reflects their heritage as members of the Meramec, Courtois, and Huzzah River families who make their living along the rivers. Painted by Shelly Smith Steiger and Julie Balough Brand of Cuba, Mo. Bette Davis: I November 1948, the famous actress Bette Davis and her husband arrived in a Packard station wagon at the Southern Hotel. Reporter Wilbur Waughn asked for a photo. Refused, he snapped a photo anyway and was chased by Davis' irate husband. He escaped and the stolen photo appeared in the Cuba News and Review. Painted by Ray Harvey of New Haven, Mo. Wallis Oil Co: Paul T. Carr built this cottage style filling station in 1932. In 1968, Bill Wallis converted it to the first office for Wallis Oil Co. Bill died in 2001, but his family continues his legacy of business and philanthropy. Painted by Ray Harvey of New Haven, Mo.

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