MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Okanogan restaurant renovation discovers 100-year-old hand-painted murals

Apr 15, 2022, 1:12 PM | Updated: 1:59 pm

A wack of a sledgehammer and a peek inside an old wall in Okanogan revealed a secret.

Nick and Lisa Timm recently purchased a more than a century-old building in Okanogan, renovating it for a new restaurant and bar. While tearing down a plaster edifice, they discovered two 60-foot murals within.

In a matter of minutes the murals would have been lost had they proceeded with their plan to plaster over the wall, Nick Timm told KIRO Newsradio.

All Over The Map: Hidden history in names of Tacoma’s waterways

Historians believe local artist W.J. McConnon painted the murals as they were passing through town.

The Okanogan Historical Society confirms from newspaper clippings that the paintings date back to 1917. “120 feet of panorama landscape scenery in light tans,” is written in a local newspaper of the mural, according to KING 5.

One painting will stay in the building, another in a museum. Timm added that an internet campaign sponsored the donation process to preserve the murals.

Nick and Lisa’s restaurant and bar, The Red Light, will open in mid-September, 2022.

MyNorthwest News

graham girl...

Katy Wade, KIRO 7 News

Family shares fundraiser for 5-year-old girl killed in Graham

A fundraiser has been started to support the family of a 5-year-old girl who was found dead in a Graham yard last week.

16 minutes ago

executive order safter streets katie wilson...

James Lynch

Mayor Wilson signs executive order to accelerate street safety projects as Seattle falls short on Vision Zero

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a new executive order Friday aimed at making Seattle’s streets safer for everyone.

1 hour ago

sea airport pipeline...

MyNorthwest Staff

Alaska Airlines flight attendants file grievance over staffing on long-haul international flights

Alaska Airlines flight attendants filed a grievance last week, stating the airline has been understaffing its newest long-haul routes from Seattle.

1 hour ago

renton party stabbing bottle...

Jason Sutich

Renton party turns violent after person stabs another with broken bottle

A person in Renton broke up an argument at a party by smashing a bottle and stabbing another person in the leg early Friday morning.

2 hours ago

invasive insect...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Invasive insect may threaten Washington ash trees, weaken state ecosystems

An invasive insect, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), has been spotted near the Vancouver border.

2 hours ago

Boeing (3)...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Boeing’s white-collar union rejects contract, authorizes strike despite largest pay offer since 1983

Boeing's white-collar union voted down a proposed contract, authorizing a strike.

2 hours ago

Okanogan restaurant renovation discovers 100-year-old hand-painted murals