A JMU Mural with Mountains

Harrisonburg

I spotted this mural yesterday while driving through Harrisonburg. I was there to show Marie the campus for James Madison University, and also to introduce her to the juicy burgers at Five Guys. Years ago she shopped in the sprawling big box store district of the town, which of course, left her with the impression that the place was ugly. The historic district, however, has charm.

We drove past the new buildings of JMU on the southeast side of the interstate highway, and after passing the Arboretum, I saw the mural at a hotel parking lot. The script says James Madison University and there’s a logo of the school mascot on the left. 

Monday Murals

After crossing over I-81, we drove past a slightly older part of the campus, turned onto Main Street, and saw the historic district with the dignified old campus buildings. This school was founded in 1908 as a teacher’s college. It became James Madison University in 1977, and now serves more than 23,000 students.

From there I headed east to Shenandoah National Park (see yesterday’s post). But first we had to stop on Charlie‘s behalf, for a walk in Rockingham Park.

Oops! The sign says “No Dogs Allowed!” Too late, we were already there! I made a joke about “Snoopy, Come Home,” but then had to explain the movie reference.