Spanish Fork High School Mascot Tile Mural Preservation
2025 Young Preservationist
Project Dates: April 9, 2024 to September 30, 2024
Building: Spanish Fork High School, 158 North 630 West, Spanish Fork, UT
In a remarkable example of youth-driven preservation, 15-year-old Logan led the effort to save the beloved Spanish Fork High School Mascot Tile Mural—a piece of local history at risk of being lost during the demolition of the old school in June 2024. This iconic mural, measuring 10 feet tall by 7 feet wide and featuring over 10,000 individual tiles, was created between 1976 and 1978 and showcases the school’s mascot, a Spanish Don riding a horse.
Logan, recognizing the mural’s significance as a cherished symbol of his community’s heritage, took it upon himself to ensure this artifact was preserved. Working with his family and a team of skilled tile masons, Logan spearheaded the mural's intricate deconstruction, relocation, and reinstallation at the new Spanish Fork High School. The mural now resides proudly in the school’s gymnasium, between two trophy cases, where it continues to inspire school pride and commemorate the legacy of the Class of 1976.
Logan’s deep connection to the mural comes from his grandmother, Jane Anne Hallam, a member of the Class of 1976 who played an instrumental role in creating it during her senior year. The students funded the mural by selling candy bars to support their vision, and Logan felt a personal responsibility to carry on their legacy. His commitment to preserving the mural honored his family’s history and the collective memories of the entire Spanish Fork community.
The preservation process was monumental, especially with only a month to deconstruct the mural before demolishing the old school. Logan and his family, including his parents, aunt, and uncle, worked tirelessly alongside tile masons Jason “Mudd” Hill, James Hill, and Richard Oliphant. They carefully removed, sorted, and reassembled the mural’s tiles, overcoming obstacles such as broken or chipped tiles. Logan’s resourcefulness in sourcing replacement tiles ensured the mural was restored to its original beauty.
This preservation project not only saved an important piece of Spanish Fork’s history but also highlighted the impact that young preservationists can have on their community. Logan’s determination, creativity, and leadership are inspiring examples of how the next generation can actively contribute to protecting and promoting Utah’s historic places. Through his efforts, the mural’s legacy lives on, bridging the past and future for generations to come.
