US-10/Eastman Road Overpass Medallions

Wednesday, August 25, 2004, marked the official unveiling of two of the four medallions that were installed on the US-10/Eastman Road Overpass sometime earlier that week.

The idea for the project was first discussed in September 2003 and the artists were selected in January 2004. Junia Doan, chair of the Wayfinding Committee, a sub-committee of the Entranceways Initiative Task Force (EITF), is very excited about what the medallions will bring to Midland.

"We are hopeful that these medallions will both inspire and teach, to remember the past and take vision and energy from it," said Doan.

The six-foot, 300-pound copper medallions display two different designs, each of which play a role in the history of Midland.

"The one design features the science aspect of Midland, with contributions of science and business. The other is more illusory and portrays local efforts to recognize the human spirit as expressed through beautiful gardens, architecture, volunteerism, and the good will Midland has to offer," said Doan.

"These medallions speak to Midland's history and its future."

According to Doan, the term "City of Modern Explorers," a phrase incorporated in one of the designs, stems back to the depression era of the 1930s. Although the economy was at a downfall, "Midland was considered an oasis by its people and others around," out of which came the term.

Make sure to drive by these medallions and see the history portrayed in these two pieces.

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