There were six painted shades in the Valton hall. We know this not from photographs, but from the building itself—the window sills are each painted a different color, marking where the individual shades once hung.

Only one of those shades survives today. It has been conserved and is now part of the Edgewood College collection. The surviving example features a blacksmith’s advertisement, a reminder of the essential trades that supported the rural community and the kinds of local businesses that gathered under the Woodmen roof.

 

It’s a wonderful counterpoint to the grand murals—showing Hüpeden working not only as a visionary storyteller, but also as a practical sign painter serving the everyday economy of Valton.

 

Watch our Facebook for upcoming opportunities to view this remarkable artifact in person.