FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) — For almost 30 years, it had decorated the wall of the old hardware store in downtown Fairhope. In just a few hours, it was reduced to rubble.

"Lord, have mercy," said Zion Bethel. "It's been a part of this area for a long time and especially a part of my life."

The mural was one of the most photographed spots in Fairhope. "Just seeing it come down seems like it is the end of an era," said Bethel.

Even on the day of its demise, people couldn't help but stop to get one last image.

"It's been here for so long, and it's beautiful, and I hate to see it go," said business owner Leslie Goldberg. "It's just a Fairhope icon."

Pieces of the mural are now souvenirs as workers on the demolition crew handed pieces of the mural over the construction fence to people like Char

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