Historians release coloring book of Matthews structures

MATTHEWS – Some of the buildings in downtown Matthews that residents pass by daily have a rich history and creators of a new coloring book hope to draw attention to these historic structures. 

Barbara Stegall and Barbara Taylor have created “Colorful Matthews: A Coloring Book.” They hope the book gives the community a greater appreciation of the history and architecture that makes Matthews so unique. 

Stegall, a former teacher and preschool director, serves as a docent at the Matthews Heritage Museum. Taylor used to work as the director of the museum. 

Over two years ago, Stegall showed Taylor a coloring book pertaining to the town of Southport. Both thought it would be a great idea to create a coloring book for Matthews. They started brainstorming a list of potential buildings to include.  

Due to their work schedules, the idea lay dormant. After Taylor retired, she asked Stegall if she was ready to work on the project as she had recently found an artist for the project. Both started working on the coloring book in July.

“Colorful Matthews” features 15 pages of original pen-and-ink drawings of historic structures by local history enthusiasts Janet Dyer and Phil Tappy. These pictures are followed by information about each structure, such as the year they were built. Each page is perforated, and the 8.5x11 format makes it easy to frame.  

The Matthews Heritage Museum, Matthews Historic Cemetery, Outen’s Pottery Kiln and Renfrow Hardware & General Merchandise are a few of the 15 buildings featured in the book. Some of these landmarks are not as well known, but the coloring book gives children, parents and grandparents an opportunity to learn more about them while they color each historic site. 

Books are available for $10 each at the Matthews Heritage Museum, Renfrow Hardware & General Merchandise, Matthews Chamber of Commerce, Moxie Mercantile and online at the Mecklenburg Historical Association website, www.meckdec.org. 

Meet the authors

Authors Barbara Taylor and Barbara Stegall will sign copies of “Colorful Matthews: A Coloring Book” from 2 to 4 p.m. March 8 at Renfrow Hardware & General Merchandise. Other signings will take place as announced.