Boston-based muralist Alexander Golob painted Haverhill’s immigrant history in his latest public art piece at 86 Washington St. (Jay Saulnier photographs for WHAV News)
Haverhill’s rich immigrant history has been immortalized for all to enjoy thanks to muralist Alexander Golob, whose public art project months in the making was dedicated at downtown’s Garibaldi Club on Sunday.
Mayor James J. Fiorentini delivers remarks (Jay Saulnier/WHAV News)
Titled “Miles to Go Before We Sleep,’ the 1,600 square-foot mural painted on the side of 86 Washington St. features hand-painted portraits of more than 40 people with Haverhill ties chosen by Golob after a communitywide call for submissions. Some familiar faces painted in the style of the Italian Renaissance tile work called maiolica include Herbert H. Goecke, former mayor Paul Chase, and the four war hero brothers of former Haverhill state Rep. Frank Emilio.
“With nothing but scrappy hands, empty pockets, and full hearts, immigrants built this city from the ground up. They built factories, they produced shoes, they put Haverhill on the international map,” state Rep. Andy Vargas—who worked closely with Golob and Council Vice President Thomas J. Sullivan to make the project a reality—said at Sunday’s dedication ceremony.
Also included in the mural are Sullivan’s late father John T. Sullivan, a tireless advocate for city veterans, and Gus Fiorentini, the Palestrina, Italy-born grandfather of Haverhill’s longest-serving mayor James J. Fiorentini. Both men were there on Sunday to see their family members painted in the patchwork of Haverhill history.
Third district Congresswoman-elect Lori Trahan and local businessman Paul Accardi offered remarks during the morning ceremony, which was followed by a reception for 200 attendees inside the Garibaldi Club.