Artist

Forest Park Illinois Post Office

November 16, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 417 Des Plains Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, 60130
ARTIST: Miriam McKinnie (Hofmeier)
TITLE: The White Fawn
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Forest Park 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: 1940

Ever walk into the Forest Park, Illinois Post Office and ask yourself… “I wonder who painted the mural?” or, “I wonder what title of it is?. Well look no further. You’ve come to the right place.

I was only able to get these two photos of the mural before the lady at the counter stop me from taking any more. I was taken backed that it didn’t even occur to me that I should have said more, but I kept my mouth shut. I gave her my card and also got the phone number for the postmaster. I was instructed to call and ask for permission before taking any more photos. I’m pretty sure this is not necessary and I don’t want to cause any trouble so I just left. I figured since I live in the Chicago-Land area it won’t be that big of a deal to get back here again.

However, if you are the postmaster, and you happen upon this article, would it be ok to continue with documenting your building and mural? I’d really appreciate it.

But I want to hear from you? Have you ever wondered bout this mural? Do you know more about it? Please leave a comment below, I’d really like to know more about what you think about it?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Forest Park Illinois Post Office Mural 60130 Full

Forest Park Illinois Post Office 60130 Cornerstone

Sources

Personal visit on 10/27/2013 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
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Forest Park Review

Dresden Tennessee Post Office

August 17, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 122 Maple St., Dresden, Tennesse, 38225
ARTIST: Minetta Good
TITLE: Retrospection
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Dresden 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: 1940

I love this mural. The colors are alive and brilliant. There is so much going on in this mural that makes it a unique piece. To be honest I don’t have an Art background. This makes it difficult for me to describe in art terminology the various aspects or features of this painting. I love the colors. I love the size of the mural. Maybe if there is an art history major out there that would like to comment, that would be interesting.

The point is you don’t need to be an art history major to enjoy or appreciate this wonderful murals.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Dresden Tennessee Post Office Cornerstone

Dresden Tennessee Post Office Mural Center

Dresden Tennessee Post Office Mural Detail

Dresden Tennessee Post Office Mural Full

Dresden Tennessee Post Office Mural Left Side

Dresden Tennessee Post Office Mural Right Side

Sources

Personal visit on 3/31/2013 by David W. Gates Jr.
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

Gleason Tennessee Post Office

August 10, 2013 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 100 N. Cedar St., Gleason, Tennessee, 38229
ARTIST: Anne Poor
TITLE: Gleason Agriculture
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Gleason 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: 1942

Today’s featured post office is Gleason Tennessee. A wonderful small town with a great post office.

This is just my opinion, but I have to say it. I love post office murals, but this one for some reason just doesn’t do it for me. Maybe its the all dark green feel to the work or maybe the black and white style of the figures on the right side of the mural. I’m having a hard time loving this one.

The front of the building is not necessarily my favorite either. The large white border to the windows and the style of the building is not aesthetically pleasing to me. But what do I know? I still love the fact that this post office has not closed and that the mural is still viewable for the public to enjoy. Which is much more than can be said for some other towns in Tennessee

What are your thoughts on this building? What are your thoughts on this mural? Do you like or dislike this one?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.