The Ernest Norling Murals: A Note 

The two familiar mural panels that hang in the special exhibit space at the Kitsap History Museum were painted by the celebrated Pasco-born artist, book author and illustrator, and World War One veteran, Ernest Norling (1892-1974). Commissioned by the Puget Sound Navy Yard in 1941, the work was completed in early 1942. Murals were the art form of choice in the 1930’s and 1940’s thanks to the efforts of the WPA Fine Arts Program, and Norling himself had completed two murals as part of the program in the post offices at Prosser (1937) and Bremerton (1938). It is quite possible that the commander of the navy yard, Captain Lucien Francis Kimball, having seen the Bremerton mural contacted the artist. 

The commission for the 34-foot mural had been received before the attack on Pearl Harbor and Norling settled on a peaceful theme showing sailors relaxing with locals in the South Pacific and the Arctic. The long canvas was set-up in the bowling alley of the enlisted men’s club, and after several months of work assisted by Seaman Douglas R. Garratt of Portland, the artist completed the painting in early April 1942. 

Unfortunately, when it was unveiled in the club, sailors who saw it were not impressed. While they agreed it was a fine work of art, the subject matter did not sit well with them now that they were at war. They considered it too light, too festive. Some characterized the painting as an “inaccurate, grossly libelous portrayal of navy life.” It was anachronistic. As one sailor put it, “there is a war going on and we haven’t time for such stuff anymore!” Norling could have altered the theme in light of the evolving world crisis, but chose not to and the painting has remained the same for over 80 years albeit now in two sections.