New Dale Carnegie mural brings Nodaway County legacy to life in Maryville

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV)-- A mural celebrating Dale Carnegie now brightens the side of The Pub at 414 N. Main St. in Maryville, but for artist Evan Brown, the project came about in an unexpected way. 

Brown had recently completed a mural in Lenexa, Kansas, when someone working on the exterior of that project reached out to let him know people in Maryville were looking for an artist. 

“In terms of doing the mural out there it was kind of through a back door connection and no so much something that I would have seen had I been doing my normal stuff,” Brown said.  

The result is a mural that tells the story of one of Nodaway County's most influential figures. 

Rather than creating a simple portrait, Brown said he wanted the piece to reflect Carnegie's life. The mural includes ears of corn to represent the area's agricultural roots, a champion racehorse and other symbolic elements that connect to Carnegie's story. 

The owner of The Pub also wanted the mural to incorporate themes of the outdoors and music, Brown said, adding another layer of meaning to the artwork. 

Brown's own journey as an artist began while he was in college. He started his business with encouragement from professors who recognized his dedication and work ethic, mentoring him as he developed his craft. 

Around the same time, he became interested in creating motivational content, an interest that naturally led him to producing artwork centered on influential historical figures. 

Carnegie was already someone Brown knew well.  

“My mom and uncle actually did a Dale Carnegie course when during their college days. So I have in addition to all my other books, have her set of courses from college on my book shelf,” Brown said.  

Brown said that personal connection made the opportunity to create the mural even more meaningful. 

More of Brown's work can be found on his website.

Dale Carnegie was born in rural Nodaway County, just outside Maryville, and his legacy continues to be celebrated throughout northwest Missouri. 

Mat Beu, president of the Nodaway County Historical Society and assistant principal at Savannah Middle School, said Carnegie's success can be traced back to his humble beginnings.  

“He spent his early formative years in Maryville with an agricultural background. Definitely during those times, he had developed an intense work ethic,” Beu said.  

Beu said the discipline and perseverance Carnegie learned through farm life became defining characteristics that later helped him influence millions through his writing and public speaking. 

The Nodaway County Historical Society works to preserve the stories of important people from northwest Missouri, and Carnegie remains one of its most recognizable figures.  

“Dale Carnegie is one of those people and so we do have him on our walls at the local museum so if you are ever in that area, you can come visit. We have an exhibit there as well,” he added.  

Beu hopes Carnegie's story will inspire the next generation, especially young people growing up in Nodaway County and across northwest Missouri 

“It’s an incredible American story of someone who quite literally pulled themselves up from the boot straps and came from a rich agricultural background,” he said. 

Beu wants people to understand how Carnegie built the lessons he learned growing up on a farm and used them to make a positive impact on the world.