The Progress of Industry Series

John F. Holmer created 11 murals, called The Progress of Industry, to depict both the dignity and hardship of physical labor. Each reflects a style of public art — American Realism — popular throughout the 1930s. The murals are divided between scenes of early Ohio industry and modern construction work. On the north side of the room (to the right upon entering), the paintings depict blacksmithing, pottery-making, plowing, spinning, churning, and lumber- and water-hauling. The south wall is covered with scenes of modern building: welding, mechanized tools, and concrete and steelmaking.