Have you seen the newest mural in Downtown Loveland?
In August, a mural was painted on the side of the “Brown Building,” which is adjacent to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. This area is known as “Jackson Street Market” and is home to several businesses including Alley Boutique, Blume Home, Haven Grey, Montgomery Cyclery, PRMG Lending and Trailside Provisions. Special events are held in the market’s outdoor space.
The mural pays tribute to the space’s history.
In the mid to late 1800s, this was the site of one of Loveland’s first railroad cargo platforms. There were two railroad stations, and the rest of the area was called the Pennsylvania Railroad Park. The Pennsylvania lines had both freight and passenger service. Commuting to Cincinnati from Loveland took 37-55 minutes in 1906. Monthly tickets were $7, single fare was 45 cents, and a ten-ride ticket was $3.25. There were 12 eastern and western mail routes arriving daily. Loveland was truly a railroad town!
As the popularity of trains declined, the various railroad buildings were torn down. In the remaining park space, the fire department held summer festivals. The WWII Honor Roll Monument was located there from 1944-1955 (now restored and relocated to the Loveland Museum Center).
The Brown Building, as you see it today, was constructed in 1955 by Harry Brown. The Loveland Grocery occupied the building from 1962-1975. At another time, Rexall Drug Store was in the building along with Brown’s Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge. The building was also home of the Loveland Herald.
The mural was donated by the Loveland-Symmes Community Firefighters’ Association (LSCFA). LSCFA is a non-profit that works year-round to raise funds to supplement the department, as well as hometown projects.
“The association has always tried to give as much back as possible to the community that we serve,” said Mike Books, association vice president. “We hope the mural will attract more foot traffic to the bike trail and the historic district, while honoring Loveland’s history.”