“There Comes a Time”
Quarry Strike Mural
In downtown Lemont, the “There Comes a Time” mural captures a powerful moment from the village’s past, when quarry workers stood together and demanded change.
Created as part of Lemont’s growing public art collection, the mural reflects both the grit of the community’s industrial roots and the courage of those who shaped its future. Dedicated on October 18, 2014. |
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In the late 1800s, Lemont’s limestone quarries were the backbone of the local economy, a history reflected in the “Quarry Workers” mural in Budnik Plaza. The work was hard, dangerous, and essential to building Chicago and the surrounding region. At a pivotal moment, workers organized and pushed back against unsafe conditions and unfair treatment. There Comes a Time represents that turning point. The moment when staying silent was no longer an option.
The incident has also been referred to as the “Lemont Massacre of May 4th , 1885” in which the state militia confronted workers at the village train station, just steps away from the location of the mural. At least three workers were killed and others were injured. Today, this event is seen as part of a larger workers' rights movement that included the better-known Haymarket riot that occurred in Chicago a year to the day later.
Honoring the Workers
The mural pays tribute to:
A Visual Story
Through bold imagery and layered design, the mural brings movement and emotion into the scene. You’ll notice:
Part of a Bigger Vision
This mural is one of several public art pieces supported by the Lemont Art & Culture Commission in collaboration with local artists and organizations.
Together, these projects turn Lemont into an open-air gallery, where history, art, and community intersect.
Why It Matters Today
The story behind this mural still resonates.
It speaks to:
Take a Moment When You See It
Look at the faces. The posture. The energy.
This isn’t just a mural.
It’s a moment frozen in time.
The incident has also been referred to as the “Lemont Massacre of May 4th , 1885” in which the state militia confronted workers at the village train station, just steps away from the location of the mural. At least three workers were killed and others were injured. Today, this event is seen as part of a larger workers' rights movement that included the better-known Haymarket riot that occurred in Chicago a year to the day later.
Honoring the Workers
The mural pays tribute to:
- The strength and resilience of quarry laborers
- The immigrant communities who built Lemont
- The collective action that helped shape labor rights
A Visual Story
Through bold imagery and layered design, the mural brings movement and emotion into the scene. You’ll notice:
- Figures of workers in motion
- Tools and textures tied to quarry life
- A sense of tension that reflects the moment before change
Part of a Bigger Vision
This mural is one of several public art pieces supported by the Lemont Art & Culture Commission in collaboration with local artists and organizations.
Together, these projects turn Lemont into an open-air gallery, where history, art, and community intersect.
Why It Matters Today
The story behind this mural still resonates.
It speaks to:
- Standing up for fairness
- The power of community voices
- The importance of remembering where we came from
Take a Moment When You See It
Look at the faces. The posture. The energy.
This isn’t just a mural.
It’s a moment frozen in time.