Young Havre artists restore historic mural

A giant mural of Long George Francis involved in the process of cattle rustling hangs beneath the main desk at the entrance of the H. Earl Clark Memorial Museum.

It's rather odd that the painting graces the museum since, in real life, Long George and Clack were bitter enemies.

In the 1910s, Long George was a controversial figure, in Havre, a lawman, colorful cowboy and, later, convicted cattle thief.

The massive oil painting shows Long George riding a horse, herding cattle bearing the brands of several well-known families in the town. The painting shows Saddle Butte, today a Havre neighborhood.

The painting was done in 1957 by Arvid Kristoffersen, a Havre artist.

Several of his drawings graced the walls of the Hill County Courthouse. But when the county renovated the courthouse in the 1970s, the murals were taken down and put into storage.

The museum dug them out and put the Long George painting on display, said museum director Jim Spangelo.

But the painting had become the worse for the wear over the years.

"It seems they put a nail in the painting every few inches or so," said local artist Vince Woodwick, who volunteered to help in the restoration.

So Woodwick, and a group of helpers who call themselves "The Girls," stepped forward to help out.

Saturday, they worked to repair the painting.

Using acrylic, "The Girls," Havre Middle School art students, worked throughout the afternoon.

Woodwick praised the work of the middle school volunteers.

"They are my support group," he said.

They are involved with Woodwick in a variety of programs, especially the art projects at the Havre-Hill County Library. They painted a mural displayed on the library's lower level, and they help out in displaying art done by other local students.

They are anxious to learn more about art and restoration, he said.

"They keep asking me, 'show us more, show us more,'" he said. "I'm really enjoying it."

When done, the improved version of the painting should last for many, many years, he said.

That's good, Spangelo said, because many people in Havre can trace their roots back to the Long George days.

Spangelo said his grandfather was on the jury that convicted Long George of cattle rustling.

The trial attracted large crowds to the newly opened Hill County Courthouse.

Supporters to the prosecution, who wanted Long George hauled off the jail, were mainly newcomers to Hill County - homesteaders and businessmen, like Clack.

Long George supporters were largely the cattlemen.

"The painting basically represents the last cattle drive before the plow takes over," Spangelo said.

Spangelo's grandfather was on the jury that convicted Long George.

"He and a lot of other jurors had to leave town for a while because feelings were so bad," he said.