ADDRESS: 10 Park Ave., Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
ARTIST: Brenda Putnam
TITLE: Sorting the Mail
MEDIUM: Plaster (lunette)
STATUS: The Caldwell post office is still an active, operating facility. However, the lunette has been reported to have been removed from this facility and placed in the West Caldwell facility on Clinton Road. It formally resided in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1934
I must have waited around for about 5 minutes to see if the car in front of the building was going to move. I had already been inside, so I knew the guy sitting in there was not waiting for anyone.
It was getting hot out and I didn’t feel like waiting any longer so I kindly asked the guy if he wouldn’t mind moving so I could get a good picture of the building. He was more than happy to move and help out. I’m just glad no other cars decided to park right after he moved. I got my unobstructed photo and was on my way.
After speaking with the postal clerks, I’m told there are plans to rededicate the art at the newer building, but this never happened due to COVID. As of the writing of this article, it is unsure when a rededication ceremony will take place.
This makes for another good story, can I time this ceremony with another visit to New Jersey to complete my tour? Only time will tell, and the story continues.
David W. Gates Jr.
Sources
- Personal visit on 5/20/2021 about 11:20 AM by David W. Gates Jr.
- (affiliate link) New Jersey Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
- United States Postal Service
- National Archives Records and Administration
- (affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal
: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
- The Progress: Historic sculpture unveiled at West Caldwell Post Office | The Progress gallery | newjerseyhills.com
- New Jersey Hills Media Group: West Caldwell Post Office ceremony | | newjerseyhills.com
GPO Caldwell, New Jersey,
Contract awarded, December 1934, or January 1935.
By The Public Works Branch, Procurement Division,
Washington, DC
The Charles A. Vezzetti Co. Inc.
50 State Rd.
Palisade, New Jersey @ $40,800.00
Construction Engineer, Unknown
Rob