Archives for September 2012

Hamilton Montana Post Office

September 30, 2012 By David W. Gates Jr.

Address: 150 N. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana 59840

Right behind the former post office is the newer Hamilton Post Office. The original building is on 4th st street right in the downtown section of Hamilton. When the post office out-grew the original building they built an addition right behind the old post office.

What you are looking at is the addition and new lobby of the Hamilton MT post office and the large parking lot.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Hamilton Montana Post Office 59840 Dedication Plaque

Sources

Personal visit on 6/22/2012 by David, Post Office Fans
United States Postal Service (https://www.usps.com)

Former Hamilton Montana Post Office

September 29, 2012 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 150 N. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana, 59840
TITLE: Flat Head War Party
ARTIST: Henry Meloy
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The mural resides in the original building. It’s in the lobby above the postmaster’s door. Note this section of the post office is no longer used, it was turned into museum. Hours are limited.
YEAR: 1942

I was super excited when I finally made it to the Hamilton MT Post Office. My initial research revealed it is a WPA era post office and contained a mural inside. The sign on the front door mentioned the hours of the museum as 10:00AM. “Museum” I told myself”, I didn’t know there was a museum here. I just though it had a mural. So you could imagine my surprise when I found out it was a museum.

I waited around for an hour for it to open. When 10:00 rolled around I walked right up and the door was still locked. Hum! I said to myself, Maybe they are just running late so I waited around for about 15 minutes. When nobody showed up I went around to the new post office right behind the old one. The man at the counter called for someone to assist me. Since I had not shaven or done laundry since I finished hiking a few days ago I’m sure I looked homeless.

When I inquired about the museum, the postal employee explained he would open the front door but the interior vestibule doors would be locked. Hum, I thought to myself. I was really hoping to get inside of the lobby in order to get a good picture of the mural and the rest of the artifacts. But I guess I’ll take what I can get. The postal employee disappeared and went to open the front door of the old building. I had to exit the newer building and walk around to the front door. By the time I got there the postal worker was already gone and the only views I had were from the small vestibule.

I was disappointed I had to photograph the mural from behind glass and at a distance but at least I’m able to bring you this amazing mural. I’m glad the town of Hamilton has decided to preserve this building and mural. The additional artifacts through-out the lobby were a real treat to see.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840

Former Hamilton Montana Post Office Historic Plaque

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Corner Stone

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Center 59840

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural 59840

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Left 59840

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Right 59840

Sources

Personal visit on 6/22/2012 by David W. Gates Jr.
United States Postal Service
(affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz

Morris Illinois Post Office

September 28, 2012 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 202 E. Washington St., Morris, Illinois 60450

As we headed to southern IL, we drove right past the Morris, IL Post Office. I could tell by the size and shape that it was a WPA era building and pulled over to photograph it. Although this building does not have af mural the building is still very impressive. It’s all in the details as you will see in the photographs below.

There are several attributes that stick out at first glance. One of the first things I noticed were the large green marble squares between the windows sections. If you look closer there are also metal pieces representing something. What that something is I’m unsure but it’s this type of metal work and detail that makes this a beautiful building. The second thing I noticed was the gold canopy above the front entrance. Although it appears to me mostly decorative its a wonderful visual piece to the overall building.

Just another observation, as I was standing out in front of the building waiting for people to pass I noticed there was music coming from somewhere. I really didn’t think much of it, since I was focused on tying to get photographs of the building. However, as I walked closer the music got louder. It really sounded like it was coming from a car or something, then i noticed the speakers on the light post in front of the building. Amazing! I said to myself, either the city or the post office graces you with music as you approach the front entrance of the post office. See now that is something you don’t see or hear everyday.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.