Pioneering Women in Medicine honored on latest Downtown Mount Vernon utility box art

MOUNT VERNON – Downtown Mount Vernon’s ongoing public art transformation is taking a historic step forward. The Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), in partnership with Experience Mount Vernon, has unveiled its newest wrapped utility box art installation.

This latest piece turns the spotlight toward local heritage by honoring pioneering “Women in History,” focusing specifically on trailblazing women in the medical field who hold Ohio Historical Markers in Mount Vernon or have Knox County ties.

Created by local artist, Emily Morrison, the design integrates a thematic layout resembling a vintage medical equipment bag, opening to feature textbooks, patchwork and supplies.

The artwork pays tribute to several monumental historical figures:

 Dr. Jane Payne, M.D. (1825–1882): Overcoming deep-seated prejudices against female physicians, Dr. Payne practiced medicine in Mount Vernon from 1851 to 1852 with an office located at the northwest corner of South Main and West Gambier streets. Graduating first in her class at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania and dedicated her career to serving women and children.

 Ella Mae Simmons, M.D. (1918–2015): A graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Dr. Simmons was the first Black female medical doctor in the United States to specialize in immunology. Serving in the United States Army Nurse Corps during World War II as one of only eight Black nurses. She later completed her residency and graduated with her M.D. from Howard University College of Medicine in 1958.

 Mary Ann Bickerdyke (1817–1901): Born in Knox County, and known affectionately as “Mother Bickerdyke,” she was a formidable hospital administrator for Union soldiers during the American Civil War. She was responsible for establishing 300 field hospitals throughout the war and became a lifelong advocate for veterans, even serving as a lawyer to assist them and their families with obtaining pensions after the war.

 Helen Grace McClelland (1887–1984): Once a Fredericktown resident, McClelland was a United States Army nurse who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the British Royal Red Cross for heroic actions during World War I while serving at a British Base Hospital in France.

McClelland was one of only four women to receive the Distinguished Service Cross during the war and spent her later career advocating for the professionalization and modernization of nursing education.

“Public art is at its best when it does more than just create a vibrant space — it should educate, inspire, and tell the stories of the people who paved the way for us,” said Olivia Toth, Executive Director of the Knox County CVB.

“By highlighting these incredible women in medicine, we are bringing stories of immense resilience, brilliance, and local pride right to the sidewalks of downtown.

These women broke major barriers in their fields, and their deep connections to Knox County deserve to be celebrated by every resident and visitor who walks past.”

“We love seeing how this project continues to weave deep historical context into the everyday fabric of our downtown district,” added Lacey Filkins, Director of Experience Mount Vernon.

“Each wrapped utility box adds another layer of cultural depth, giving people a unique reason to pause, learn, and explore our community’s rich heritage.”

Funding for the utility box art project comes from the Knox County CVB and Experience Mount Vernon, with additional project support made possible through a grant from the Ariel Foundation.

Upon completion, the utility box art project will be featured as a key component for the future Mount Vernon Art & History Tour.

A new collaborative, supported by the Knox County CVB, being designed to guide art lovers, history buffs and visitors through the city’s artistic and historical landmarks.

The Mount Vernon Art & History Tour is projected to launch in 2027.

About the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau markets the county as a top destination, driving visitor spending and supporting the unique experiences and characteristics that define us.

The Knox County CVB is located at the historic CA&C Visitor Center, at 501 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. For more information, visit www.visitknoxohio.org or follow along on social media @visitknoxohio.