WAUPACA COUNTY POST

July 3, 2002

 

Coloring Book Features Downtown Waupaca.

 

 

            A new coloring book featuring the historic architecture of downtown Waupaca also highlights local talent.

            Lloyd Durrant, a longtime Waupaca resident, spent countless hours, often in inclement weather, drawing while sitting on a campstool in front of the various downtown buildings.  He was careful to include every one and in detail.            A great number of the drawings are included in the coloring book.

            Durrant’s drawing skills are enhanced by his historic knowledge of the community.  Moving to Waupaca in 1926, Durrant worked at the Delavan Hotel, now the location of Bank One, “doing whatever needed doing” from 1943 to 1945.

            His father, Frank, was a schoolteacher and taught Lloyd to draw.

            As a member of Main Street Waupaca’s heritage committee, Durrant was a valuable resource for a historic building and business inventory project.  Durrant lived on Main Street for a number of years and now resides at the Garden Park House. Before his move, however, Durrant donated his drawings to the Main Street organization.

            Main Street Waupaca’s design committee held a coloring book contest at local schools to determine the drawings used for the covers of the book.  Melissa Rolf’s drawing of the Edward L. Browne Law Office was the winning selection for the front cover, and Ali Nellis’ drawing of Jerry’s Boot and Shoe Repair is featured on the back cover.

            The coloring books are available for $2 in downtown Waupaca at the Lighthouse, Framing by Preston, Dragonwings Bookstore and Main Street Waupaca office.  Proceeds will go toward downtown improvements.