It seems like only last week that mason David Fleming, owner,
Fleming Masonry Construction, and Brian Blase, mason, met with the Cloud County Historical Society, and Eric Johnson from Campbell & Johnson prior to beginning the installation. Since April 10, 2009, there have been amazing changes to the Cloud County Museum Annex building at 6
th & Lincoln.
DAVID FLEMINGWhen David Fleming, Culver, Kansas, was first approached to submit a bid for the Whole Wall Mural project he was a bit apprehensive. Fleming, who is a former
Concordian, (
CHS graduate, Class of 1972) was not sure how the project would work, so he set out to study up on brick murals. Soon he was so intrigued he decided to submit a bid. The rest is soon to be history.
David Fleming has been laying bricks since 1975. He started out learning the trade in Topeka and has worked all over the States of Kansas and Nebraska. Fleming is very well known in these parts for quality
masonry. Those who have worked with him say he works at such a fast pace it is a bit daunting at first. He takes such pride in his work and is very meticulous, that everyone else strives to follow his lead. Fleming and his crew have worked on many buildings in the area including Concordia Elementary.
BRIAN BLASE
Brian Blase has worked with Fleming
Masonry Construction since 1995. A former Sylvan Grove native, Brian met his wife, Renee, at Cloud County Community College. They currently live in
Salina with their four year old son. Brian has worked on many projects around the area, including Concordia Elementary. It is very obvious Brian enjoys his work as spectators often catch him smiling. It is very interesting to watch David and Brian work together. Often they are slinging mortar at the same time in a sing song
rhythm much like dancing.
TYLER KUHNTyler Kuhn, Minneapolis, Kansas, has worked as a Brick Tender for Fleming Masonry Construction for the past three years. His job is make sure the masons never run out of supplies. He keeps a close eye on the mortar and begins mixing as soon as he sees the supply is getting low. He also cuts bricks, helps build the scaffolding and assists in bricklaying. Often David and Brian move so quickly Tyler is practically running to keep up. 
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Danae Pick loves my sunflowers but not our cold weather! David & Danae Pick, who are here visiting their grandparents, Ed & Marian Pick, are braving the cold weather to check me out! Our current 14 degrees is a bit colder than what they are used to in Port Saint Lacie, Florida. They were great sports, but decided not to play "I Spy" too long. Come back and see me soon!
cap will be placed over the wood.
The masons just finished removing the scaffolding and power washing in front of the final section. 
Friday, June 5, 2009 - A small crowd began to gather around 1:35 p.m. on Friday afternoon as word spread that the wall was near completion. At approximately 1:55 p.m., as David Fleming, Fleming Masonry Construction, placed the last sculpted brick, the crowd cheered.
It seems like only last week that mason David Fleming, owner, Fleming Masonry Construction, and Brian Blase, mason, met with the Cloud County Historical Society, and Eric Johnson from Campbell & Johnson prior to beginning the installation. Since April 10, 2009, there have been amazing changes to the Cloud County Museum Annex building at 6th & Lincoln.
Thursday, May 21, 2009: This morning the Community Foundation presented a check to the Cloud County Historical Society Museum for $7500 toward the Whole Wall Project. Catharine & Mara both were present to witness the presentation.
This photo shows only a small portion of the "Tribute to Cloud Ceramics" depicted on the Whole Wall. The Whole Wall Project would not have been possible without the generous support, donations, labor, and oversight of Cloud Ceramics. During the three years the projects has been underway Cloud Ceramics' commitment to the project has been exceptional. They have worked tirelessly to make sure the production, firing, packaging and delivery of the bricks has gone smoothly. Many times they have gone above and beyond to make the project possible.
Monday, May 18, 2009: While scaffolding, fencing, stacks of bricks, and other equipment block the view of the Whole Wall, spectators can still get a great view of many of the scenes as they unfold. Great weather has helped move the project along much quickly than anyone imagined.
This week the Concordia Elementary third graders are visiting the Whole Wall. While Lisa Guerra, Cloud County Museum cu
rator, was speaking to them about the wall, they all lined up to touch the wall. The girls compared their hand size to the pioneer woman's hand while the boys each took turns picking the nose of the miners. 
Even with the rain the wall is going up very quickly. Soon the "Future Home of the Whole Wall" will disappear and the "Whole Wall" will become the present.
The garage is empty. All the bricks are out.
Monday, May 4, 2009 - Mortar was flying so fast today Mara could hardly keep up! Bob Schrieber, who has worked with both Dave and Brian on other jobs, was recruited to help. Bob was thrilled to be able to lay a couple of bricks. Bob says he "... may not be as fast as I was in my younger days," but he still enjoys working with the guys and seeing the finished product. Onlookers were wondering how he could still move after being down on his knees for so long.
Friday, May 1 everyone worked "full throttle" to complete the windmill and move the scaffold. By Saturday morning an unobstructed view of the buildings, plane and windmill was revealed. Thousands of visitors drove by during the Festival to get a view of the work in progress. On Saturday and Sunday the Museum was open extra hours to allow visitors to stop by and meet Mara and the guys.
By noon most of the buildings depicted in the mural were completed. It is incredible to see all the detail and be able to recognize the local landmarks.
By late afternoon Mara lingered alone to finish the fine details. Will tomorrow be the day the plane begins to take shape?
