Archives for 2013

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office

September 22, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 119 E. Jefferson St. Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665
ARTIST: Forrest Flower
TITLE: War Party
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Viroqua Post Office is still active and the mural viewable. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1942

Today’s featured post office is Viroqua Wisconsin. And what a beauty and kind of disturbing one at the same time. Read on for more.

My first though was how large the painting is. I’m a bad judge of dimensions but the mural stretches all the way to the ceiling and down both sides of the postmasters office door. My second though was how violent the subject appears. The colors are also dark adding to the overall feeling of this mural.

One thing I wasn’t prepared for was all the photographs of the past postmasters on the wall. This was an added treat and I photographed each photograph. I though it might be nice to have this here.

I took a lot of pictures since I ended up visiting this one twice, two weekends back to back in order to get inside the building. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office 54465 Cornerstone

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office Mural 54665 Full

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office Mural 54665 Detail

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office Mural 54665 Left Side

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office Mural 54665 Right Side

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office Mural 54665 Center

Viroqua Wisconsin Post Office 54665 Artifacts

Sources

Personal visit on 6/05/2013 and 6/12/2013 by David W. Gates Jr.
Wisconsin Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr.
Wisconsin 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

Richland Center Wisconsin Post Office

September 21, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 213 N. Central Ave. Richland Center, Wisconsin 53581
ARTIST: Richard Brooks
TITLE: Decorative Interpretation of Unification of America through the Post
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Richland Center Post Office is still active and the mural viewable by the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1937

Today’s featured post office is Richland Center Wisconsin. How do I know this is indeed the Richland Center Post Office? Well because I’ve had to visit this one twice now, the first time I visited was on a Sunday and the lobby was closed. So I followed up with another visit a few weeks after my fist visit to get inside and photograph the mural.

I have to say this is probably one of the most colorful murals I’ve seen in Wisconsin. The variety of bright colors makes this one unique. I was delighted to view it and photograph it. I’m not sure what to make of some of the missing detail. For instance if you look at the lady holding the baby or small child, there is no face. Kind of creepy but also interesting at the same time. The fact that she is at her post office mailbox holding a letter makes it that much more appealing for decorating this wonderful old building.

What do you think of this mural? Do you like the bright colors? Does the faceless child creep you out?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.