Mural Panels Explained

Fifteen murals in one!

Local Cuisine

Design Credit: Cat Badger

Sayre was populated by families from Italy, Ireland, The Ukraine, and Greece to name a few. With these families came their amazing cultures and from their cooking skills came some wonderful restaurants such as Mangialardo’s, Chacona’s, Mastracchio’s Bakery and more recently Yanuzzi’s and then there is the Sons of Italy Club too. All of these food venues are famous across the United States for their specialties.

Sayre Athletics

Design Credit: Cat Badger, Dana Twigg, Kevin Heath, Erik Franklin

Sayre Schools have a strong tradition of excellence in a wide range of sports for all students. The athletic program includes Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Wrestling, Soccer, Cheerleading, and more. All young athletes are encouraged to take part and thrive in Sayre’s comprehensive sports programs

Welcome to the Heart

Design Credit: Kevin Heath

Serving as the title panel for the overall mural, Welcome to the Heart of Sayre carries a deep and layered significance.. It celebrates Sayre’s downtown as its vibrant core, the community’s generosity in times of need, and the renowned Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Interventions.

Sayre High School

Design Credit: Cat Badger, Dana Twigg, Kevin Heath, Erik Franklin

Sayre High School was built in 1928, An addition was  erected in 1969-70. The first school in what is now Sayre was erected in 1808 serving the Milltown area. In 1857 the first one room schoolhouse was built on Keystone Avenue. In 1882 Sayre became an independent school district.

You are Here

Design Credit: Dana Twigg, Kevin Heath

This symbol of an arrowhead, pinpointing Sayre’s geographic setting, signifies the Senecas, Cayugas and Oneidas the principal American Indian tribes who inhabited the Sayre area long before the area became inhabited by European settlers.

1891

Design Credit: Kevin Heath

Sayre was incorporated in 1891. The town was born out of post Civil War railroad expansion and the shipping by rail of coal.

Sayre’s Bandstand

Design Credit: Kevin Heath, Dana Twigg

The Bandstand in Howard Elmer Park. Construction started in August 1885 under the direction of builder Edward Yost. A local newspaper stated that the patients in the Robert Packer Hospital watched workmen build the bandstand across the street. It was built through a public fund drive and the average pledge was $5. The bandstand was completed in April 1886 for a final cost of $512

Keystone

Design Credit: Scenic Pennsylvania, Kevin Heath

Pennsylvania has been known as the Keystone State since 1802, based in part upon its central location among the original Thirteen Colonies forming the United States, and also in part because of the number of important American documents signed in the state (such as the Declaration of Independence)

Robert Packer Mansion

Design Credit: Dana Twigg, Erik Franklin

The palatial home of Robert and Emily Victoriene Piollet Packer from its completion in 1877 until the death of Mr. Packer in 1883. The mansion was given to the people of Sayre to be used as a hospital by Mary Packer Cummings in 1885 until it was taken down in 1960. The Robert Packer Hospital grew and prospered and today is a lasting tribute to the Packers

Heart Parts

Design Credit: Kevin Heath, Cat Badger

At the heart of Sayre, our library and emergency medical services exemplify the “Sayre Cares” motto. The Sayre Public Library fosters knowledge, connection, and lifelong learning, while our emergency medical services provide unwavering support in times of need. Both institutions embody selflessness and a deep commitment to putting the community’s well-being first, reflecting the spirit of care that defines Sayre

Lehigh Valley Railroad

Design Credit: Erik Franklin, Kevin Heath

In September of 1869 the Lehigh Valley Railroad  made its first trip from Wilkes-Barre, PA to Waverly, NY. From 1869 to 1976 the Lehigh Valley Railroad was a prominent part of the history of Sayre and its people.

Sayre Cares

Design Credit: Kevin Heath

Sayre is a community built on connection, compassion, and resilience. From our rich history rooted in the Lehigh Valley Railroad to the world-class care provided by the Robert Packer Hospital and Guthrie Clinic, Sayre embodies a legacy of hard work and heart. Neighbors look out for each other, lending a helping hand in times of need and celebrating life’s joys together. “Sayre Cares” is not just a motto; it’s a reflection of who we are – a town united by history, strengthened by kindness, and driven by an unwavering commitment to care for one another.

Donor Credits

Design Credit: Dana Twigg, Kevin Heath, ,Erik Franklin

The iconic Sayre Theatre marquee headlines our gratitude to all of the donors who graciously contributed to Sayre’s Downtown Mural projects. The Sayre Theatre, had its grand opening New Years Eve 1914 and is still a cultural hub of town.

Peaks & Valleys

Design Credit: Dana Twigg, Kevin Heath

This pattern, inspired by American Indian design, symbolizes the peaks and valleys of our mountainous region, as well as the continuous rising and setting of the sun.

Natural Resources

Design Credit: Dan Robbins, Dana Twigg, Kevin Heath

Sayre is bordered on the east by the Susquehanna River and the west by the Chemung River. Our town is beautifully situated in a rural setting that affords us all of the benefits of the land and wildlife of this beautiful region.