by Mari Radtke
Roger Kammerer, eldest son of Primghar’s beloved Roger Kammerer, is a North Carolina native. He has been throughout his lifetime, however, a Primghar visitor. His most recent visits are motivated by his father’s passing, adding visits with his many extended family members living here. But being here, and from his history in O’Brien County, Roger was commissioned to paint a mural.
Growing up in Greeneville, NC, Roger was always artistic and interested in history. He earned a 4-year scholarship to Columbian University School of Art from the local newspaper. He became a museum director and mural artist. He has painted many, many murals in North Carolina. Some of the murals were painted on buildings that have been relocated. Some have been damaged and need to be redone. He is still a museum director and is considered the county “historian.” The first house built in town was left to the town. “It is filled with gorgeous antiques. Everything has a story.” He added, “I’m a nut for all that stuff. Records go back to the 1700’s.”
He now has three murals in O’Brien County, Iowa to his credit. He painted the steam engine on the Sanborn Community Center building and the seven founding fathers of Primghar on the side of First National Bank. Now he has just finished a “Welcome to Sutherland” mural on the side of the new restaurant, “Legacy.” Old, brick buildings could be called his specialty.
Roger was assisted with the design by Colleen Johnson. In addition to welcoming visitors to Sutherland, the mural features specific features of Sutherland. The iconic twisting slide and shelter house that has been part of the City Park for years, the Sutherland Museum, formerly the Catholic Church, the water tower and, of course, representation of agriculture.
Work on this Mural began May 12. He completed his art, despite more than one bout of rain, on May 16. Thanks Roger! It looks great.