FARMINGTON – Watercolor prints of historical paintings will be featured on a series of collectible coffee mugs offered by the Farmington Historical Society.

The first of several mugs showcasing the artwork of the late Robert Tyler and being sold to raise funds for the Historical Society is available in time for the holidays.

This first mug features Tyler’s painting “Snow Roller on Main St., Farmington,” said Taffy Davis, who has spearheaded the project. The painting is based on a photo taken by Carol Rounds in 1906 when roads were packed by large rollers for horse-drawn sleighs, she added.

The painting shows the Exchange Hotel (1887-1955) where Franklin Savings Bank is now located and the First Freewill Baptist Church of 1835. Alvin Starbird is the driver with his team of horses, Tom and Jerry.

The society voted to plan for four mugs to start, including next year’s painting of the standard gauge and narrow gauge engines, the Red School House and Tracy’s sap house. The mugs are being developed by the Award Shoppe on Broadway

Tyler, an artist for Knowlton McLeary for 35 years, lived in the house with the brick carriage house next to Franklin Savings for many years. He combined his interest in history with his talent for art by producing paintings and drawings of Farmington’s history.

“He was instrumental in developing the historical society,” Davis said. His work included developing and maintaining records and displays at the Titcomb House.

“The Farmington Historical Society is honoring Bob for his dedication to preserving Farmington history through his work with the Historical Society, as well as his numerous historical paintings,” she added.

Tyler’s daughter, Tori, who lives in Portland, shared her father’s work with the society, Davis said. Tyler, born in 1918, graduated from Farmington schools and was a WWII veteran. He attended Vesper George School of Art in Boston and returned to Farmington where he married Agnes Webber of Farmington. Tyler died in 2000.

The mugs are available at Mickey’s Hallmark, Calico Patch and Sugarwood Gallery.