Celebrating our Nation's Post Offices
ADDRESS: 106 S. Mill St., Botkins, OH 45306
Today we featured the lovely Botkins, OH Post Office. What can you tell me about it?
Thanks.
David W. Gates Jr.
ADDRESS: 144 W. Ash St., Mason, Michigan, 48854
TITLE: Early Postmaster
ARTIST: Marion Overby
MEDIUM: Terra-cotta (relief)
STATUS: The relieve resides in the lobby above the postmaster’s door.
Year: 1939
I debated with myself as to whether I should post this one. Here is why, for starters the construction in the front of building. Not the prettiest picture but at least I was able to document a little bit. Another reason I almost didn’t post this one is because it was closed at the time I visited. It was a Sunday, and this one does not keep the lobby open.
So those were the two reason I almost decided not to post this one yet. But I figured it may be a while before I get back to this one. And that is the story for a lot of the photos I have, and I figured I might as well get them out there. Just because I don’t like the photo, or because I wasn’t able to get the artwork shouldn’t prevent me from posting that I’ve at least made the effort. So that is my story and I’m sticking to it. Yes, I visited, No I did not get inside to view the artwork. But that is how is goes sometime. And although I’m not OK with it, what other choice do I have?
So I’m offering this one up for you all. What can you tell me about it? Do you have picture’s you like to send me of the artwork here? Maybe some historical photos or stories?
Thanks,
David W. Gates Jr.
The lobby was closed during my initial visit in November of 2010. It must have been a Sunday or after hours. I don’t remember which, but I was not able to view the art. So when I return to Mason in August of this year 2015 I made sure to visit during business hours. Another bonus from this visit is that the construction was completed and the construction cones and flags obstruction the view of the building were gone.
That’s what it take some times to get these great pictures. Multiple visits and a willingness to keep at it. I hope you enjoy the following updated images of the Mason building and its plaster cast.
Thanks,
David W. Gates Jr.
: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
ADDRESS: 118 E. Jefferson St. Grand Ledge, Michigan, 48837
ARTIST: James Calder
TITLE: Waiting for the Mail
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Grand Ledge post offices is still an active, operating facility and the mural can be viewed by interested members of the public. The mural resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1938
Welcome to Grand Ledge, Michigan. It’s great to see a healthy and well maintained building. That sums up my observance of the Grand Ledge Post Office. Although it was a Sunday the lobby was open and I was able to view the mural. Even though it was from a distance because of the way the lobby is set up with the vestibule I was still able to get several photos of the mural.
I also found it rather amusing chasing after the corner-stone on this one. As you can see from the photos. It’s in the lower left corner of the building. What I noticed, is that over the years it appears they have built up some landscaping. I had to pat down some of the vegetation in order to get a clean shot of the corner-stone. Yes, that’s my tripod feet in one of corner-stone pictures. As I was doing this I imagine one day someone is going to stop me and ask what the heck I’m doing and why I’m in the bushes or flower beds. But for now I’m successfully documented another building. All for your pleasure of course.
Thanks,
David W. Gates Jr.
: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz