Mural #2

    The second mural was painted in 2000 and is entitled “General Beale uses camels”

    In 1857, under orders to survey a wagon road from New Mexico to California, General Edward Beale followed the 35th parallel to paths opened by Francis Aubry and Lt  A W Whipple.  Beale’s orders required importation of camels and drivers to experiment carrying freight to the South West.  

    Out-performing mules, the camels carried 700 pounds and could go for three days without water.  Their feet adapted to rocky-sandy soil, they succeeded both summer and winter, though they were not popular with mules or drivers.  With the threat of the Civil War, the use of camels ceased.

    The railroad and later, Route 66, followed Beale’s route.

    The principal mural artist was Kevin Varty, who started the project in the back room of Barstow Flower and Bridal, owned by Founder of Main Street Murals, Juliette Tison. He was assisted on the project by Jim Savoy, however sickness and a re-location for work left the mural incomplete with no artist.  Kathy Fierro picked up the baton and helped complete the mural.  Problems arose in finding a home for the mural when the chosen location burn’t down!  Eventually a home was found at Cozy Lane on the Clemmer Building.