Putting the "R" Back in Roundup

Seeing the "R" on the hill gradually fading into invisibility caused local Roundup resident Jerry Wickland to put a plea out on Facebook about his concern. A point of pride for most small towns is the letter on the hill painted annually to signify the town. Roundup also has its letter on the hill, but in recent years it has disappeared into the landscape. Jerry wants to bring back this traditional landmark.

Why is the landmark not being annually painted? The land has become private property. The landowners had concerns about vandalism, trash, and other viable concerns of having the trail open to the public. Jerry contacted the owners and got permission for a small group to refresh the "R".

In celebration Jerry had a tee shirt made for Mayor Jones to bring attention to the cause. How the tradition will go forward is yet to be determined, but likely a small group of annually approved individuals.

Information shared with Jerry from Mark Kovarik states that "the "R" originally consisted of some big rocks placed in the shape of the R and painted white. In the mid 50's, concrete was poured. Every fall Freshman had to go up and repaint it." No one is sure when it became is such disrepair.

Cory Fraser shares a story about the R, "Confession moment. In the early 90's, myself and a couple of others in my rag tag crew decided it would be funny to paint the "R" a different color. We procured some fluorescent orange spray paint, and under the cover of darkness proceeded to transform the aforementioned "R" from its original white. Unfortunately, we did not properly calculate the appropriate coverage required for the surface area of the "R", and came up short. Well, we had to improvise, and cover the leg of said mentioned "R" with rocks and adjacent vegetation to conceal its existence. So, our prank inadvertently resulted in a bright orange "P" which caused quite a bit of consternation. Consequently, the locals rallied and soon thereafter a refreshed white "ER" was produced. Now I'm not suggesting as a way to garner attention and support from your endeavor is to refresh the "R" by painting it orange. However, it did produce said outcome in a timely manner. Just make sure you procure five cans of spray paint."

The "R" is scheduled to be repainted Saturday August 26th, by the time this article is published, it should be bright white. There is a small crew with Jerry that has permission to reestablish Roundups letter. Don't forget to look for the newly painted letter as you drive South down Main Street.