06/20/2026
Hidden for 113 Years. Restored for the Future.
This week, a long-forgotten piece of Chillicothe’s history was brought back to life.
The historic Mail Pouch To***co mural on the east wall of Machinery Hall has been fully restored by renowned mural artist Scott Hagan, “The Barn Artist.”
Originally painted prior to 1893, the mural advertised Bloch Brothers To***co Company of Wheeling, West Virginia. Like thousands of Mail Pouch murals painted across Appalachia, it reflected the region’s agricultural roots, hard work, and rural pride.
In 1893, a neighboring building was constructed, concealing the mural from public view. It remained hidden for more than a century until a fire in 2006 destroyed the adjacent structure and unexpectedly revealed this remarkable piece of history after 113 years.
The restoration preserves important historic details, including the name “A. Maurer, Notions, Toys & Fancy Goods” and what is believed to be the mark of the original painter, “The A.L. Olds Co. NY.”
This project was made possible through the leadership of Downtown Chillicothe and the generous support of the Ohio History Connection, Ohio Arts Council, The History Store, The Pour House at Machinery Hall, the Dave Daughters Memorial Fund, the Herrnstein Family Fund, Mail Pouch Barnstormers, Chillicothe Ross Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Robert E. and Genevieve G. Schaefer Fund.
What was hidden for 113 years can now be enjoyed for generations to come.
