EASTON, Pa. — The next time you drive down West St. Joseph Street in Easton, slow down just a bit as you pass Chubby’s of South Side.
Or, better yet, park and get out to the sidewalk and learn some history of the Easton neighborhood via a mural that covers the city’s past, present and a bit of the future.
South Siders, other Eastonians, and more gathered on the walk Thursday evening to commemorate the completion of the mural, a project supported via Blueprint Communities.
“It's great that's completed. It took a toll on me, because I was working day and night. I want to make sure it was perfect. And coming from South Side, I had to make sure it was perfect."Victor Nieto
Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone thanked the mural subcommittee members who helped orchestrate the project, and invited them to speak on the mural and the process.
“I’d like to thank, basically, Councilman Pintabone for putting me onto this — something positive for not just South Side, but the whole entire Easton,” Roderick Sutton said.
“It was a little difficult because we had a lot of people to choose from South Side. There's some people that didn't make it; they will be included in the next one, God willing.
"This is great; I like this. This represents South Side: the past, the present, some of the future.”
Lillian June Robinson thanked everyone in attendance, particularly the “legacy” South Side residents who were part of the fabric of the community, and encouraging them to enjoy the art.
“Hopefully it will develop South Side into something bigger and better than what it already is,” Robinson said.
'Had to make sure it was perfect'
Nila Martinez, an Easton Area High School senior who worked on the project, also expressed gratitude to the community for showing up.
“Thank you for coming out, and I appreciate having an opportunity to be on this committee and have a say what goes on the mural, as well as what it represents: the diversity in South Sides’ past and future,” Martinez said.
The man responsible for the mural — in addition to assistance from Zahira Fernandez and Gregorio Rojas Jr. — is tattoo artist and graphic designer Victor Nieto, who came from the South Side and grew up attending the Boys and Girls Club.
“It's great that's completed," Nieto said.
"It took a toll on me, because I was working day and night. I want to make sure it was perfect. And coming from South Side, I had to make sure it was perfect."
Nieto said the concept was not difficult to come up with thanks to his background in the arts, though the textured wall and height presented a few issues.
But it was nothing that he and his team couldn’t handle, he said.
All of the pieces of Easton
The mural depicts a globe of puzzle pieces held aloft by a diverse cluster of hands and arms, surrounded by the names of notable Eastonians and popular businesses and organizations chosen via a social media survey.
"It's the residents of South Side that have always kept South Side together."Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone
To the right of the globe, several larger puzzle pieces feature symbols and illustrations of Easton hallmarks.
The far right side features a road sign labelled with some of the neighborhood's notable streets, under which sits a stylized "est. 1833."
Pintabone took the time to review each element, detailing the establishment of South Side in 1833 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company; and the beloved Barney’s Steak Shop.
Also, the Castel Club, which catered to the Italian community; Easton-native artist Ernie Bossert; and Frances Ketchen, who pioneered racial equality in myriad ways for the city.
And logos for Lafayette College — originally located in South Side — Easton Area School District and more.
Of course, there were pieces dedicated to Mayor Sal Panto Jr. and legendary boxer Larry Holmes.
Going through the list, the crowd of dozens cheered and clapped as they listened to the history of their beloved neighborhood.
“Easton is doing great, and yes, the mayor and council and the city has a lot to do with it," Pintabone said. "But it's the residents of South Side that have always kept South Side together.
“So we truly appreciate all of you. We're hoping you’re happy. We hope that you're happy with the mural, and when you drive by, it brings a smile to your face.”
