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MILLINGTON, Mich. — The Millington history mural project has received a $1,000 contribution from the Millington Lions Club, adding support for an outdoor portrayal of the Tuscola County community’s past.
The club presented the check to Cindy Wilson of the historical society, according to an Oct. 27 report by Thumbnet. The donation follows a $3,000 grant awarded to the Millington-Arbela Historical Society by the Tuscola County Community Foundation earlier this year.
Millington history mural reaches halfway point
The historical society’s community mural project page identifies the work as “The Early History of Millington.” Local artist Jeff Bolzman is painting it on the south wall of Limitless RC, the former IGA building.
In its Sept. 26, 2026, update, the society said the mural was about half finished and indicated work would continue in spring. That is the latest dated progress update on its project page; the funding announcement does not establish that the mural is complete.
The society says building owner Scott Heemstra offered the 2,000-square-foot wall for the project. Painting began the week of June 15 after local painter John Borcherding cleaned, patched and primed the surface.
Museum archives guide the artwork
The design draws on 24 photographs from the Historical Museum’s archives, according to the society. Its planned scenes trace the area from the time before village settlement through logging, agriculture and the growth of local institutions.
The society describes imagery of elk, white pines and Native American settlements, including Indian Dave, a historical figure who lived and traveled in Michigan’s Thumb. Later scenes include cattle stockyards, the train and depot, businesses, a church, a school and military service.
A June project update said Bolzman was transferring his paper sketches to the wall and that the images reflect actual people and places from the Millington-Arbela area. Subsequent summer updates documented added color, faces and other details.
Earlier Tuscola County grant supported public art
The foundation’s May 30 announcement lists the $3,000 award for public art and a mural under its William A. and Ruth Janks Fund.
Together, that grant and the newly reported Lions contribution account for $4,000 in identified support. That figure is not the mural’s total budget or the total raised.
The society also names the Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation, the Terrence & Barbara Kaiser Foundation and the Millington Downtown Development Authority among its initial funding supporters. Its project page does not state their individual contributions or an overall project cost.
A public view of Millington-Arbela history
The mural brings the society’s archival material onto an exterior wall, where residents can follow the community’s history beyond the museum’s indoor displays.
The nonprofit operates the Millington-Arbela Historical Society museum at 8534 State St. in downtown Millington. Its website provides project photographs, progress reports and contact information for people seeking further details.
