Accepting a tradition while ensuring visitors do not draw anywhere else continues to be a struggle for Ephraim officials.
On August 2nd, crews painted one side of the Anderson Dock warehouse. By August 6th, dozens had already etched their name onto the otherwise brown exterior, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1910s when sailors would write their names on the side of the building. The practice has continued for over a century but has now crossed over to nearby garbage cans, posts, and the pavement surrounding the building.
Addressing the graffiti now has become even more important as village officials look to improve Anderson Dock, which includes replacing or resurfacing the concrete, repairing portions of the warehouse, and making drainage improvements. In addition to repainting portions of the building regularly to ensure there is room for people to leave their mark, Ephraim officials want to develop ways to educate the public about the site's history and address guidelines for acceptable behavior.
The Ephraim Village Board is scheduled to discuss the current graffiti situation and future improvements at Anderson Dock on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The board will consider closing a portion of Water Street (STH 42) in front of the Ephraim Fire Museum to honor the 20th anniversary of the Line of Duty death of Assistant Chief Bill Weborg. If approved, the ceremony will occur on September 29th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
