Artist

Clinton Tennessee Post Office

April 11, 2015 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 1121 N. Charles G. Seivers Blvd., Clinton, Tennessee 37716
ARTIST: Horace Day
TITLE: Farm and Factory
MEDIUM: Tempera (mural)
STATUS: The mural resides in the lobby and is accessible to members of the public interested in viewing it.
YEAR: 1940

Some people have told me that I’m never satisfied. I have also been described as a perfectionist. It’s true, I’m all of the above and then some. Now, let’s take a look at the Clinton, Tennessee Post Office and we’ll see another example my demanding personality.

Yes, I’m delighted the mural has been saved and moved to a location that can be enjoyed by all. However, it’s so far up the wall that even the locals don’t even know it’s there. While I was visiting and photographing this one a man stopped me to ask what I was doing. When I pointed out the mural his comment was “I never really noticed it”. I was happy to at least talk to one of the locals. We had a great conversation and he even gave me brief directions to the older original building in Clinton.

Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not disgruntled or mad, I just think there could have been a little more thought into the placement of the mural. Bring it down past that blue border. Or maybe even tit it facing down so people can at least get a better view of it when looking up. Just a few suggestions from the Post office Freak.

I welcome your comments good and bad below. Please share.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Clinton Tennessee Post Office Mural 37716 Artists Signature

Clinton Tennessee Post Office Mural 37716 Center

Clinton Tennessee Post Office Mural 37716 Detail

Clinton Tennessee Post Office Mural 37716 Full

Clinton Tennessee Post Office Mural 37716 Left

Clinton Tennessee Post Office Mural 37716 Right

Sources

Personal visit on 9/05/2014 by David, Post Office Fans
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
The Courier News (The Courier News (mycouriernews.com)
Knox News (which-east-tennessee-post-offices-show-off-depressionera-artworks (knoxnews.com))

Vandalia Illinois Post Office

March 21, 2015 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 304 South 4th Street, Vandalia, Illinois, 62471
ARTIST: Aaron Bohrod
TITLE: Old State Capitol in Vandalia
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Vandalia 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: 1936

I arrived prior to the operation hours one weekend in May. I was headed towards Herrin and decided to stop in and see this one. I ended up photographing and viewing the mural through the glass window. It is always a difficult decision to post articles with out complete pictures. I wish I had better ones, but since you get the general idea I’ve decided to post what I have.

What struck me first was the abundance of colors. I like the overall landscape of this mural. The children running with the dog makes for a pleasant subject. At some point I’ll head back to get better detail photos but for now. What are your impressions of this mural? What sticks out for you? Please comment and share below.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

10/24/2020 UPDATE

It’s taken me three separate visits to finally photograph the mural in the Vandalia, Illinois post office. On Saturday, October 24, 2020 I woke up at 2:00am to drive south to visit 4 buildings. Vandalia was one stop during this road trip. The retail section of this lobby is closed on Sunday’s and during non-business hours. You are able to see the mural through the glass windows. However, my goals were to photograph it without the glass in the way. I’ve now completed that task. I also enjoyed seeing the old construction photos in the bulletin board on display. Enjoy!

2014 Visit Vandalia Illinois Post Office 62471

Vandalia Illinois Post Office 62471 Cornerstone

Vandalia Illinois Post Office Mural 62471 Center

Vandalia Illinois Post Office Mural 62471 Detail

Vandalia Illinois Post Office Mural 62471 Right Side

Vandalia Illinois Post Office Mural 62471 Lobby

Vandalia Illinois Post Office Mural 62471 Left Side

Vandalia Illinois Post Office Mural 62471 Full

Vandalia Illinois Post Office 62471 Artifact

Vandalia Illinois Post Office 62471 Mural Left Side

Vandalia Illinois Post Office 62471 Mural Right Sid

Vandalia Illinois Post Office 62471 Mural Center

Sources

Personal visit on 5/24/2014, 8/16/2016 & 10/24/2020 by David W. Gates Jr.
Illinois Post Office Mural Guidebook
United States Postal Service
Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
Parma Conservation
The Leader Union

Oglesby Illinois Post Office

January 31, 2015 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 203 West Walnut Street, Oglesby, Illinois, 61348
ARTIST: Fay Elizabeth Davis
TITLE: The Illini and Pottawatomies Struggle at Starved Rock
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Oglesby post office is still an active, operating facility, and the mural can be viewed by interested members of the public. It mural resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1942

This happens to be a larger example of the murals found in our Nation’s post offices. It represents the struggle between the Illini and Pottawatomies at Starved Rock. If you ever get the chance to visit Starved Rock, I’d recommend stopping in for a quick look at this treasure.

I took a lot of detail pictures of this one. I really wanted to give you a feel/view of what this looks like. In doing this I also discovered the mural is starting to warp in a few places. I wonder if this one will ever be repaired or restored? If you have any information in regards to this mural, I’d like to hear from you. Please comment below.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.