Mingo unveils ‘Deer Hunter’ mural

MINGO JUNCTION -- "Wow!" was the reaction when John F. "Boom Boom" Buchmelter III got his first look at the village's new "Deer Hunter" mural/kiosk at 454 Commercial Ave.

It was officially unveiled Thursday as part of a lead-in to the start of Mingo Community Days, hosted by the Mingo Business Association. It continues through Sunday at Aracoma Park, its new venue, and offers a variety of entertainment, food and festivities.

But Thursday was largely reserved for nostalgia about a movie filmed locally in 1977, with many scenes shot in the village and many locals as participants, chief among them Buchmelter, who played a bar patron in Welsh's Lounge scenes, offered technical advice for character authenticity and endeared himself to cast and crew.

He still has fond memories about his involvement in the Academy Award-winning film released in 1978, even now as it marks its 40th anniversary, and so, too, Mingo's connection to it. The movie revolves around the friendship of three Russian American steelworkers played by actors Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and John Savage who went to fight in the Vietnam War and the impact that had on their lives. John Cazale, Meryl Streep and George Dzundza had supporting roles.

Made possible through donations and sponsorships, the mural was an idea toyed with years ago, Jim Freiling of the Mingo Business Association told the audience of close to 100 who gathered for the ceremony to see the cover drop and the emergence of what's hoped to be a tourist attraction.

"When they told me that a while back, I thought I'd never see it," Buchmelter said of the mural idea before the ceremony began, "but I'm really impressed."

Freiling thanked building owners Bob and Lori Slatniske for allowing the mural to be placed there.

"I asked them about putting this mural on the wall seven years ago at least. He agreed, and it only took us seven years to get it done," Freiling said, joking that "Boom Boom" now stands corrected with its completion.

The 24-by-16-foot artwork was crafted by Jeff Campbell of Campbell Signs in Calcutta, who used a digital laser on powder-coated aluminum sheets, which then were pieced together to form the scene, Freiling explained.

While the bulk of the mural is a movie promo, the bottom right features film snippets of six locally-connected scenes. They are listed as the opening one; the Knights of Pythias (since torn down); Welsh's Lounge; the race scene; a mill shift change; and a bar scene with Buchmelter seated next to De Niro.

Buchmelter got a part in the movie because he answered "yes" to three questions -- was he a steelworker, did he hunt and could he speak Russian. Timing also helped, though, as he refrained from a restroom run; otherwise, he would have missed the casting call inquiries.

He recalled how De Niro asked him about the authenticity of a bar scene and how he'd order a beer.

"I'd say give me a Kessler's and a Rolling Rock, and everyone down there, give them my regards," he said, noting the director had chosen Miller beer until it was explained that Rolling Rock was a local brew.

"They put it in the movie," Buchmelter said. "When the movie was over, (Rolling Rock) bought me my first color television," he said. That was on top of about 18 cases of beer, he said. "I had enough Rolling Rock for me for a year."

Freiling said the mural was fueled by a long-ago meeting with Jason Wilson, who stressed the importance of tourism to a Mingo group.

"We took Jason's advice," Freiling said.

The ceremony included a prayer by Councilman George Irvin, remarks by Mayor Ed Fithen and a proclamation read by Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Graham

The mural cover dropped to oohs and ahhs and the playing of Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," heard in the "Deer Hunter" during a bar scene when the actors are shooting pool.

"It means a lot to Mingo," Fithen said. "When Jimmy first told me (about the mural ) I was picturing it as a painted mural, and then when I actually got a sneak peak, I said, 'Wow, this is something.' I was amazed at it," he added.

"Deer Hunter" nostalgia continued Thursday evening at the Mingo Knights of Columbus Hall as Mingo Community Days capitalized on a unique piece of the town's history as part of a four-day celebration. A kickoff banquet included special displays, memorabilia and a video, the handiwork of committee member Tom Fitzgerald.

The presentation of community service awards was the order of the day. Honored were:

• Harry and Kathleen Brockway, volunteers with the Mingo Revitalization Committee, with Mingo Social Services and at Aracoma Park, where Harry helps with painting jobs and cutting grass.

• The U.S. Kids, who have been performing in the Tri-State Area for more than 25 years and who have donated their time to many Mingo events. Its members include Johnny DiCarlo, Carlo Volhl, Bobby Pizzoferrato and Timmy Malone.

• Mingo Junction Post 47 Fire Explorers Hayden Elm, Austin Mannarino, Balie Murphy, Zanea Van Horn, Abbey Wigal, John Wright Jr. and Nathan Yaskanich, whose community service projects include work on the Lincoln Avenue playground, assistance with Mingo Revitalization Committee projects and participation in the JB Green Team Riversweep at the Mingo Marina.

• Orin Diomedi, owner of Orin's Auto Sales and Service, who recently retired. "They were always giving back to the community," Freiling noted of Diomedi and his family's support of Mingo.

• Rocco Cutri, owner of Rock's Auto Wrecking. "He has helped with a lot of community projects," Freiling said.

Festivities are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday with the parade assembling at 11 a.m. at the Mingo Knights of Columbus Hall and entering the park at noon. On Sunday, festivities are open to the public starting at noon and continue until 7 p.m.

In addition to Freiling and Fitzgerald, the Mingo Community Days committee includes Kathy Freiling, Rose Angelica, Anthony Forte, Barb Roman, Jeff Scheutz and Bobbyjon Bauman.

(Kiaski can be contacted at jkiaski@heraldstaronline.com.)