Framed Print
Detailed Frame
West Virginia On My Mind
West Virginia on my mind
"West Virginia on my mind" is a painting comprised of some memories of my youth in Monongalia
County. The objects in the painting are composites that I have assembled to accomplish a generic scene
that is familiar to many who have lived in this area over the years. The old farm houses, the wooden
wagons, the sagging barbed wire fences, the bunnies along the fence lines, and the old barns with the
Mail Pouch signs were common sights. Hearing the crows cawing early in the morning, and then again
just before sunset, capped off those beautiful summer days. Everything seemed to be at a slower pace
then, and you could enjoy the moments long enough to turn them into good memories.
One of the more colorful local customs throughout agricultural America was to have a Mail Pouch sign
painted on you barn. Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company of Wheeling, WV was responsible for originating
this practice. Their slogan was "Treat yourself to the best, Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco", and their signs
were found on hundreds of barns across the country. In 1999 Congress forced the Cigarette Industry to
take down its outdoor advertising of tobacco products. Many of the Mail Pouch signs were removed, but
many have prevailed, and have been maintained by barn owners who love them and are willing to
preserve a unique American rural tradition that is over a century old.
About the Reproduction: This photo-offset lithograph reproduction of "West Virginia on My Mind" is a
reproduction of the 20 x 24 inch original Acrylic painting by West Virginia artist Robert B. Musick. The
print is 20 x 26 inches overall with an image size of 16 1/2 x 22 inches. The reproduction is done in full
color on 80-pound smooth white cover stock. It is an acid free, premium archival quality paper. Given the
proper framing, and protection from extreme lighting conditions, they will bring years of viewing
enjoyment.
"West Virginia on my mind" is a painting comprised of some memories of my youth in Monongalia
County. The objects in the painting are composites that I have assembled to accomplish a generic scene
that is familiar to many who have lived in this area over the years. The old farm houses, the wooden
wagons, the sagging barbed wire fences, the bunnies along the fence lines, and the old barns with the
Mail Pouch signs were common sights. Hearing the crows cawing early in the morning, and then again
just before sunset, capped off those beautiful summer days. Everything seemed to be at a slower pace
then, and you could enjoy the moments long enough to turn them into good memories.
One of the more colorful local customs throughout agricultural America was to have a Mail Pouch sign
painted on you barn. Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company of Wheeling, WV was responsible for originating
this practice. Their slogan was "Treat yourself to the best, Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco", and their signs
were found on hundreds of barns across the country. In 1999 Congress forced the Cigarette Industry to
take down its outdoor advertising of tobacco products. Many of the Mail Pouch signs were removed, but
many have prevailed, and have been maintained by barn owners who love them and are willing to
preserve a unique American rural tradition that is over a century old.
About the Reproduction: This photo-offset lithograph reproduction of "West Virginia on My Mind" is a
reproduction of the 20 x 24 inch original Acrylic painting by West Virginia artist Robert B. Musick. The
print is 20 x 26 inches overall with an image size of 16 1/2 x 22 inches. The reproduction is done in full
color on 80-pound smooth white cover stock. It is an acid free, premium archival quality paper. Given the
proper framing, and protection from extreme lighting conditions, they will bring years of viewing
enjoyment.