In May 1999, the beginning of a special
mural honoring the stooge in the middle, Larry Fine, started when
a weekly Philadelphia newspaper suggested that the City of Philadelphia
should create a mural of Larry.
It all began when one of the two major
newspapers in Philly started a campaign to raise money for a Frank
Sinatra Mural after his death. The weekly paper questioned the
daily paper, stating that Sinatra is not from Philly and that
the city should create a mural after "a true native son". That
of course being Larry, who was born in South Philly and attended
Central High School, a city public school. The daily paper agreed
that there should be a mural of Larry and stated that they would
pass along any suggestions to help out. They actually had some
interesting headlines in trying to help raise interest, including
"NYUK! Strike up 'Three Blind Mice '...We're huge on mural for
a stooge". The City's Mural Arts Program hired David McShane,
a self proclaimed "longtime Larry aficionado", to paint our favorite
porcupine.
The first fundraiser was held at a bar
in Center City Philadelphia on June 17, 1999. I, along with fellow
Stooge Fans attended. I brought along some Larry memorabilia for
display, including a puppet, an autographed picture and some other
goodies. Also in attendance was Larry's sister, Lyla and other
family members. Stooge beer was on sale at the bar with some of
the proceeds going to towards the mural.
On Tuesday, October 26, 1999, a mural
dedication was held at the site of Larry's birth place, 3rd and
South street in Philly. The dedication started around 6:00pm with
a representative from the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. She
introduced the artist, thanked the donators, introduced Lyla and
thanked everyone for coming out. One local TV station did cover
the event. As you can see from the photo's, the artist did a great
job. The mural is of Larry in black and white wearing a white
shirt, tie and sport jacket. The background is black and yellow
and looks like a target. The mural is approximately 20 feet high,
from the corner of 3rd and South streets, you can't miss it! Some
people who were walking by asked me what was going on. When I
pointed at Larry and mentioned the dedication, almost all smiled
and stated that they liked it. Some people there wore Stooges
shirts, the latest Stooges beers shirts seemed to be the most
popular at the event. Snacks were free and Stooges beer was served.
I overheard many conversations about the boys and how they made
them laugh. When people realized that Lyla was there, fans wanted
to meet her.
The mural is great and certainly an
asset to the memories of Larry and the Stooges. It you are in
Philadelphia, it is worth a visit and don't forget to bring your
camera.
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ABOUT ANOTHER THREE STOOGES LANDMARK
The
"An Ache in Every Stake" Stairs
| The "Hollywood Walk
of Fame" Star | The
Gravesite Tours
