In our Arizona Rim Country, our Main Street in Payson was no exception. One can walk down Main Street and see the historic plaques that are placed in front of buildings and homes that hold the secrets of long ago and the names of the early pioneers of the town. The street is rich with the stories told and untold of people who have gone before us. 
 

 Old Main Street still serves as the platform for many parades, civic activities, summertime events and the popular Winter Light Parade, all of which draw many spectators.
 

 Today, however, there is a revitalization effort for this historic area, aimed at bringing new life and appreciation for the history here.
 

 Payson was home to the only sawmill in this area. It was a factory that processed the logs that rolled in on huge truckloads. And each workday, the factory whistle blew at 8 a.m., 12 noon, 1p.m. and 5 p.m. -- quitting time. The whistle was part of daily life for those who lived here. And I am told, the historic whistle is now again in operation and you can hear the noon day lunch break and the end of the day at 5 p.m. 
 

 Today, the Sawmill has been replaced by the Sawmill Theatre and Complex, named for the factory that preceded it. Its owner, Gordon Whiting, has placed inside the movie house lobby, a photo of the old sawmill. Well known artist Minette Hart -- with the Main Street Merchants Guild and the ArtBeat organization here in the Rim Country -- envisioned painting the old sawmill photo on something --BIG. The Theatre looked like the huge canvas she was looking for and so, with her vision, history was again revived. She told me it took a lot of time to grid and draw the images; they snapped a lot of chalk lines to make it accurate. 
 

 If you look at the large exterior wall on the north side of the theatre, you will be astonished at the huge replication of the sawmill painted in sepia, with varying tones of browns, grays and blacks. Artist Donn Morris made a drawing of the photograph. Artists Minette Hart, Judy Holbrook, Elizabeth Fowler, April Bower and Donn Morris jointly worked on the huge mural that covers half of the Theatre wall. Another mural is planned for the other half of the wall in the future, perhaps springtime. Minette also mentioned a lot of Tribals worked at the sawmill so they are talking to Tribal Chief Jerry DeCola about a possible painting of an Indian with full headdress. 
 

 This monumental task required the rental of heavy lift equipment, the cost was borne by the Town of Payson, Payson Rental and Theatre owner Whiting. The local artists of the ArtBeat group were hoisted up to paint an amazing rendition of the Sawmill days -- a mural measuring forty feet by twenty feet. Sepia paint was used on the Theatre wall to give the feeling it was from long ago. The mural pays respect to the sawmill that offered many jobs for area residents. The mill operated from 1951 to 1993.
 

 Other places along Main Street have new painted murals. All the artistry along Main Street was gifted by the talent of artists and donated paint to produce these murals. Enjoy seeing the old Heron Hotel recreated on the side of Payson Flower Shop and more murals are to be added.
 A new twist is a crosswalk for Main Street to Green Valley Lake. It is colorfully painted and a solar powered flashing light at the crosswalk helps traffic stop for pedestrians to cross. Two more crosswalks are planned for Westerly Road. 
 The American Gulch (a walking path along the canal from the Theatre’s vacant lot to Green Valley Park) now hosts a purposely planted orchard of apple trees which are growing nicely within secured fencing to keep the nibbling elk away. They will someday provide refreshing shade for visitors to sit under and relax. 
 

 Take a stroll along this pathway and discover brilliantly painted large corrugated solid steel fencing donated by Roadrunner. And you may have already guessed, the eager artists of the ArtBeat (a non-profit organization) created bigger than life wildlife forms. Imagine javelina, roadrunner, squirrel, coyote, rabbit and two huge elk locking antlers alive in whimsical bright bold colors as you walk the American Gulch. 
It is hoped that this not-to-be-missed, huge fence mural will inspire other paintings along Main Street.
 

 Minette added that the Historical Society is putting together some walking tours with the tour guides dressing up in period costumes. She also has planned Christmas time activities, Tree lighting, decorated streetlights by Merchants, Santa arriving in fire truck, live music, Oxbow line dancers, food and vendors and Merchant Stores open from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the festivities. 
 

 The National AARP Magazine has noted some of Payson’s revitalizations such as the solar powered, colorfully painted crosswalks on Payson’s Main Street which were built with the help of an AARP grant. 
 

 This article could not be complete without giving some accolades to sponsors who have contributed their talent, paints and donations. Included would be, of course, Minette Hart and Elizabeth Fowler who are the driving forces of the ArtBeat Group. Minette is a slender, attractive lady with long flowing hair and packed with an ardent desire to see Main Street revitalized. Also contributing were artists Carol Quigley, Kathleen Kelly, Jim West and Gail Gorry. Materials for the Gulch Fence art came from Town of Payson, Neumann Paint, Payson Paint, Paint in Color Professionals, Little Stinker Septic and Tim Hummer. Photographers who kindly donated their images of wildlife included well known D.J Craig Miller and his Gila Community College photo class. Other contributors were Dan McEuen, Danny Zertude and Iron Horse Signs.
 

 Local residents are stopping by and admiring the refreshing look that the “art with a heart” has added to Historic Main Street. The color and energetic enthusiasm of the people who contribute and who appreciate what’s new on Main Street is an example of the quality and appreciation that our local residents have for what is beautiful, bold and enduring.
 

 Minette says that the goal of ArtBeat is to bring art to the community and to bring people together through all the arts. ArtBeat plans to have a cultural art center open to all with activities to include concerts, arts, plays and much more. 
 If you are interested in visiting the Main Street Guild, their meetings are the first Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church on Main Street or contact Minette at art.minete@gmail.com 924-978-1119. Or ArtBeat at artbeatrotr@gmail.com.
 

 In the meantime, take that stroll along the American Gulch and imagine other possible fun events happening in the future while sitting on park benches under the trees in the apple orchard, listening to strolling musicians and perhaps sipping hot chocolate, cool lemonade or nibbling other delectable desserts. How sweet it is…or can be. 


 Wishing that the magic of this holiday season will fill your heart with joy and purpose as you share with your loved ones the true meaning of this Holiday Season.