Archives for July 2013

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office

July 7, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 400 Main St., Dayton, Tennessee 37321
ARTIST: Bertram Hartman
TITLE: View From Johnson Bluff
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: No longer a post office, however, the mural still here. It’s located in the lobby above the former postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1939

I’m always disappointed when I see buildings sold off to private businesses. I’m not sure what I make of this one except that is no longer a post office. At lease the city of Dayton keeps the building maintained and the mural on display for the public. After all that was why they were installed in post offices in the first place, for the public enjoyment.

Any of my fans know when the City of Dayton purchased this building? Any Dayton history buff, have any interesting they like to share about this building?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Mural Full

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Mural Center

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Mural Left Side

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Mural Right Side

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Mural Detail

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Mural Detail Artists Signature

Former Dayton Tennessee Post Office Cornerstone

Sources

Personal visit on 4/02/2013 by David W. Gates Jr.
Tennessee Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr.
Tennessee Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
City of Dayton, Tennessee (https://www.daytontn.net)
(affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
(affiliate link): Tennessee Post Office Murals: Howard Hull
Knox News (which-east-tennessee-post-offices-show-off-depressionera-artworks (knoxnews.com)

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office

July 6, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 340 W. Rockwood St., Rockwood, Tennessee, 37854
ARTIST: Christian Heinrich
TITLE: Wild Life
MEDIUM: Terra-cotta (relief)
STATUS: The Rockwood post office is still an active, operating facility, and the relief can be viewed by interested members of the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1939

It’s not often that I get to showcase artwork other than murals. So when I come across something different like the terra-cotta reliefs get excited. The Rockwood Tennessee post office is one example of this wonderful find.

Calling all Rockwood Tennessee historians. I’ve been trying to find more historical information regarding this building and the artwork in the building. Other than some general google searching nothing of relevant is appearing. Does anything have more information regarding when the post office was built? Any historical pictures or post cards? Did you know the artist? Where you there when it was installed? So many questions.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Cornerstone

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Terra Cotta Relief

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Terra Cotta Relief Artist Signature

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Terra Cotta Relief Artwork

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Terra Cotta Relief Detail

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Terra Cotta Relief Left Side

Rockwood Tennessee Post Office Terra Cotta Relief Right Side

Sources

Personal visit on 4/02/2013 by David W. Gates Jr.
Tennessee Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr.
Tennessee Post Office Mural Guidebook 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
(affiliate link): Tennessee Post Office Murals: Howard Hull
National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places, Reference Number (99001621).
National Archives Records and Administration Identifier Number (135819460).
City of Rockwood Tennessee Rockwood Post Office – City Of Rockwood

Sweetwater Tennessee Post Office

July 5, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 701 N. Main St., Sweetwater, Tennessee, 37874
ARTIST: Thelma Martin
TITLE: Wild Boar Hunt
MEDIUM: Egg tempera (mural)
STATUS: The Sweetwater post office is still an active, operating facility, and the mural can be viewed by interested members of the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1942

I had friendly visit to Sweetwater Tennessee. It was a slow day so I was able to chat with the workers. I over heard one of them talking about being a Jr. I had to chime in and mentioned I’m a Jr too. It was comical, but friendly. I was able to take my time and get some good close-ups of this mural.

This mural is unique in that it’s not just rectangle in shape. The side of the mural drape down around the postmasters office door. An interesting touch for this nice post office.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.