Artist

ADDRESS: 29 West Main St., Tipp City, Ohio 45371
TITLE: Construction of Miami-Erie Canal in Miami City
ARTIST: Herman Zimmerman
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (Mural)
STATUS: The former Tipp City post office is no longer an active, operating facility. The mural was relocated to the newer post office on Hyatt street where it can be viewed by interested members of the public. It resides in the lobby above the retail counter.
YEAR: 1940

If you are looking for the artwork that once resided here, it’s now located in the newer building on Hyatt St.

Today’s featured building is the former Tipp City Post Office. Where do I begin to talk about this one? What an absolutely wonderful visit I had back in November of 2013. To be honest I had no idea the building was sold and now privately owned. So you could imagine my surprise when I found out a new business had moved in.

I was also delighted as I entered and found two enthusiastic owners who showed me around the building. It was a real treat to see the work they have done to preserve this historical treasure.  I learned so much as we visited, and ended up spending much more time here than I planned, but it was definitely worth it.

The historical plaque on front of the building reads:

Dedicated on January 19, 1939, and served as the area’s Post Office until 1991. Dedication was preceded by the 1938 city name change from Tippecanoe City to the present Tipp City due to identification with another Ohio City. This building was completed at a cost of $43, 210 and contains oak floors, quarry tile flyer, original fixtures, walk in vault, and “secret” look-out-room used by postal inspectors. Due to its sturdy masonry and concrete construction, the basement served as the city’s civil defense shelter in the Cold War era. The U.S. Coast & Geological Survey medallion located on the northwest corner of the building benchmarks the area’s sea level elevation.

Tipp City’s legendary Civil Ware battle horse is buried in the northwest corner of this lot. The horse was ridden by Col. Daniel M. Rouze (44th Ohio Infantry and 8th Ohio Mounted Calvary) during the war. A statue commemorates the grave of this fateful horse.  Today, this grand old building is privately owned and serves as a commerce center for the community. It is part of Tipp City’s proud history.

If I had not stopped and taken the time to walk inside, I would never had known all the little details that makes this building so special. I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your day to visit with me. I hope all owners of former post office buildings take as much interest in their buildings as you have.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Sources

• Personal visit on 11/29/2013 and 10/26/2022 about 10:32 AM by David W. Gates Jr.
• Royal Crest Agency (http://www.royalcrestagency.com/index.html)