— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship Colorful mural panels were installed in downtown Webster City Thursday night. The panels depict aspects of Webster City’s history.

Some colorful new murals, depicting bits of Webster City history, were installed above downtown stores Thursday.

According to the City of Webster City website, the murals were funded through a grant partnership between the City and the University of Iowa. The artist, Ali Hval, who just graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts and has worked with the University to complete several previous mural projects across the state.

Lindsay Henderson, Webster City’s community vitality director, brought the artist together with representatives from Arts R Alive and the owners of Chicago Style to discuss the potential theme for the mural.

According to the city website, the mural features the following panels, starting from the northwest corner of the building: 

• Kayak and paddle, representing the renowned Boone River Water Trail

• Webster City’s elevator silos and the Main Street USA sign

• Doodlebug, once manufactured in Webster City and still celebrated annually with the Doodlebug Reunion

• Webster Theatre Marquee with H.E.R.O. to honor the nonprofit group’s success with the theater restoration

• MacKinlay Kantor, one of Webster City’s two Pulitzer Prize winning authors.

• Kendall Young Library

• Kendall Young, the philanthropist who gave the community the library

• Jane Young, his with, best known for the Jane Young House

• Wilson Brewer Cabin, cabin of early settler, located at Wilson Brewer Historical Complex

• The lynx, Webster City’s school mascot

• A Dove, requested by the owner of Chicago Style, Diana Castro, as a symbol of hope and peace for the future of Webster City and its residents.