In the charming town of Conway, New Hampshire, a local bakery’s colorful mural recently became the center of a surprising legal showdown.
What started as a community art project quickly turned into a fight over free speech, zoning laws, and how much creativity is allowed on a bakery’s storefront.
The Bakery and Its Donut-Themed Mural
Leavitt’s Country Bakery, a beloved spot known for its homemade doughnuts, has been a part of Conway’s community since the 1970s.
The quaint red cabin bakery became even more special when owner Sean Young commissioned a mural from local high school art students.
The mural, which whimsically depicts New Hampshire’s iconic White Mountains made out of doughnuts and pastries, was meant to celebrate the local spirit with a fun twist.
Town Officials Take Issue With the Mural
However, not everyone in town saw the mural as charming art.
Local authorities claimed the mural violated Conway’s zoning laws, specifically rules about commercial signage.
The issue? The mural was reportedly four times larger than the town’s limit for commercial signs.
They ordered Young to remove it, stating it was essentially advertising, which needed to comply with strict size restrictions.
Fighting Back With a First Amendment Lawsuit
Sean Young disagreed with the town’s assessment.
He argued that the mural was a work of art, not an advertisement.
Standing his ground, Young filed a lawsuit against Conway under the First Amendment, seeking just $1 in damages — a symbolic gesture to defend free speech rights.
Judge Rules in Favor of the Bakery’s Artistic Expression
After a tense bench trial earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante delivered a ruling that delighted Young and supporters of the bakery.
The judge wrote that Conway’s enforcement of its sign code against the mural failed constitutional scrutiny.
Simply put, the town’s attempt to force the mural’s removal was ruled unconstitutional, allowing the donut art to stay.
Community Reaction and Support
Young expressed his excitement about the victory to The Wall Street Journal, saying, “I think our mural is a wonderful depiction of everything that makes the Mount Washington Valley such a great place to live.”
The case drew attention partly because of New Hampshire’s libertarian reputation — the state’s motto is “Live Free or Die” after all — and its tendency to avoid heavy government regulation.
Artistic Freedom Extends Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Robert Frommer, Young’s lawyer, summed it up well: “You don’t lose your right to free speech because you open a doughnut shop.
Whether you put up pastry mountains or paint real mountains, that’s the artistic choice of the shop owner, not the government.”
This case highlighted how even local zoning laws must respect creative expression, especially when it’s not purely commercial.
How the Mural Came to Life
The mural project began shortly after Young purchased the bakery during the pandemic.
A friend connected him with the local high school art teacher, who was looking for a community project.
The students eagerly took on the task and proudly contributed to a mural that’s now part of Conway’s cultural fabric.
Divided Opinions Within the Community
The legal dispute split opinion among locals. Some residents supported the town’s efforts to enforce zoning rules, while others, like fourth-generation Conway resident Lisa Parent, sided with Young.
At zoning board meetings, Parent criticized the inconsistent sign policies, calling for fairness and clarity.
A Small Business Standing Up for Its Voice
Leavitt’s Country Bakery’s story is more than a battle over a mural.
It’s about a small business owner defending his right to express creativity and connect with his community in his own unique way.
Thanks to the court’s decision, the whimsical donut mountains will continue to brighten the streets of Conway, celebrating both art and local pride.