Ocoee kicks off centennial celebrations with McKey Street mural reveal

It’s hard to capture the city of Ocoee’s 100 years of history in one piece of art; a lot has happened in the Center for Good Living since it officially became a city in May 1925, and yet Orlando-based artist Christian Stanley managed to grasp the essence of the city’s soul in his first take … and it only took around 1,200 feet to do. 

As part of the city’s 100-year anniversary celebration, officials, staff and residents gathered Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the parking lot of the historic Marshall Block building, which dates back to the 1920s, to unveil Ocoee’s first mural, the McKey Street Centennial Mural.

“It’s my honor and privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate an incredible milestone in our city’s history,” Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said. “This is extra special, because it is the city’s first-ever mural. (This) vibrant work of art marks not just the passage of time but also the spirit of our community, its roots and the vision we share for the future. As we gaze upon this mural, we are not simply looking at colors and images on a wall. We are looking at the very essence of Ocoee, captured through the eyes of a talented local artist, Christian Stanley. He has brought to life the history of our beloved city. Painting a visual narrative that tells the story of the people, events and landmarks that have shaped Ocoee over the past 100 years. 

“The mural is a tribute to our city’s rich history,” he said. “It highlights the different moments of Ocoee’s past, including the rise of our agricultural community, the role of the railroads and the vibrant culture that has always been at the heart of our town. This mural is a true testament to our city’s character, as it reminds us that while we honor our past, we also look ahead to a bright and promising future. As we mark the centennial milestone, let this mural be a source of pride for all of us. … Here’s to 100 years of Ocoee and to many more years of history, progress and community.”

Stanley, a University of Central Florida graduate, and his mural design were selected by city officials and staff to celebrate the centennial anniversary.

“In researching for this project, I had the opportunity to get to know Ocoee’s history through its architecture, its stories and its industries,” Stanley said. “While painting, I also had the pleasure of speaking with longtime residents who came out to share the real memories of the strength of this community. I’m honored that this mural can now be a part of Ocoee’s story, celebrating its centennial and the rich history that makes this town special. I want to thank the city of Ocoee for inviting me to be part of this project and for supporting public art. It’s been a privilege to contribute to this milestone, and I hope this mural will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The mural, which took more than two weeks to fully paint, uses 20 different colors to depict several of the city’s historic landmarks, including the Withers-Maguire House and Starke Lake, as well as other historic events and the culture of the city. 

“The thought process behind the design was to create a collage of all things Ocoee — past, present and future,” Stanley said. “Starting with the iconic Withers-Maguire House and Starke Lake right in the middle, as well as the citrus groves and citrus blossoms on the top left, paying homage to the city’s agricultural history. Obviously, next to the citrus, we have the text celebrating 100 years of Ocoee as a city. … Some of the other elements are the passion flower that has become the city logo and the ‘Hallowed Ground’ monument in remembrance of the Ocoee Massacre as well. All of these elements are brought together by a border and semicircle that are influenced by an old Florida architectural style, I believe is called Wood Victorian.”