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The Evander Childs High School Murals Project

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New Mural Shows The Rise of Man

October 7, 1936

The mural now being painted on the rear wall of the library is called "Fertility." It is part of a group which, when completed, will be entitled, "The Advancement of Western Civilization." It was designed by Michael Newell, who has done similar work in Washington, D.C., and in several European cities. At the present time, however, he is away on vacation and his assistant, Jacques Van Aalten, has complete charge of the work, which will be finished in December.

On the panel ancient man is depicted with the three prime elements, rain, fire and water. Next, primitive man discovers the presence and force of the elements. With his meagre knowledge, he fashions out of stone various implements used in daily work. He also constructs a house to protect his family. As man progresses, a community is established and he discovers that law and order are essential to its well-being. The mural shows a man carving out the laws on a slab of rock. In due time the community becomes too crowded, necessitating migration to other lands.

The mural gives one insight into the life of the ancients. It shows some people engaged in the harvest, others grinding meal and still others erecting a house.

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