The Pride of Lemont
Date: 2009
Location: Front & River Streets, Lemont, Illinois
Lead Artists: Rob Moriarty and Mona Parry
Media: Acrylic paint on specially engineered nonwoven fabric, designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Individual panels were painted and later installed on a prepared wall.
Date: 2009
Location: Front & River Streets, Lemont, Illinois
Lead Artists: Rob Moriarty and Mona Parry
Media: Acrylic paint on specially engineered nonwoven fabric, designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Individual panels were painted and later installed on a prepared wall.
In the summer of 2009, nearly 100 community volunteers came together to help create this mural using a large-scale “paint-by-number” process. Much of the work was completed indoors during an especially hot season before the finished panels were mounted along Front Street.
Rudy Kling, the son of a German immigrant farmer, rose to prominence during the early days of American air racing. In the 1930s, he became a well-known pilot in this fast-growing and dangerous sport, capturing national attention with his speed and skill.
Rudy Kling, the son of a German immigrant farmer, rose to prominence during the early days of American air racing. In the 1930s, he became a well-known pilot in this fast-growing and dangerous sport, capturing national attention with his speed and skill.
During his brief but remarkable career, Kling won the top three air racing titles in the United States. On September 11, 1937, he was awarded the key to the Village of Lemont and honored with a parade and community celebration that reflected the pride his hometown felt in his accomplishments.
Later that same year, on his 29th birthday, Kling lost his life during the All-American Air Maneuvers in Miami, Florida. Though his life was cut short, his legacy endures in Lemont’s history.
Later that same year, on his 29th birthday, Kling lost his life during the All-American Air Maneuvers in Miami, Florida. Though his life was cut short, his legacy endures in Lemont’s history.
Today, The Pride of Lemont mural stands as a tribute not only to Kling’s achievements, but also to the spirit of a community that came together to tell his story.