Former post office buildings or locations.

Former Toms River New Jersey Post Office

June 7, 2021 By David W. Gates Jr.

Toms River New Jersey Former Post Office 08753

ADDRESS: 40 Washington St., Toms River, New Jersey 08753
ARTIST: Milton Hebald
TITLE: Boating on Barnegat Bay
MEDIUM: Unknown (sculpture)
STATUS: The former Toms River post office is no longer an, operating postal facility. The sculpture once housed in this building has been reported missing, lost or destroyed. It once resided in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1939

I didn’t know what to expect from this visit. I knew from my preliminary homework that it was no longer a post office. My research also reveled the sculpture has been reported missing, lost or destroyed. So I wasn’t expecting to see the art here.

I was able get the exterior photos and cornerstone which was a success. When I get home I’ll have to dig little deeper to find out the story on this one. If anyone out there has more information regarding the sculpture, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Note to self, I was here early on a Saturday morning about 8:00AM. The streets and area were quiet and photography was ideal with no cars or people.

David W. Gates Jr.

Toms River New Jersey Former Post Office 08753 Cornerstone

Sources

Personal visit on 5/22/21 about 8:20 AM by David W. Gates Jr.
(affiliate link) New Jersey Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
O.C.E.A.N (https://oceaninc.org/)
NJ.com N.J. post offices showcase Depression-era public art – nj.com
(affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz

Trenton New Jersey Post Office & Courthouse

June 7, 2021 By David W. Gates Jr.

Trenton New Jersey Former Post Office 08608

ADDRESS: 402 E. State St., Trenton, New Jersey 08608
ARTIST: Frank D. Shapiro
TITLE: Second Battle of Trenton, Rural Delivery, and Glass Manufacture
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (murals) 2 panels
STATUS: The Trenton federal building is still an active, operating facility, however, the post office no longer operates out of this facility. The murals can be viewed by interested members of the public. They reside on a wall in the main lobby.
YEAR: 1931

Trenton was another building I wasn’t expecting to get into during my recent visit. My plan was to get exterior photos to use for this article. Officially known as the Clarkson S. Fisher building and Courthouse. It was originally the post office and courthouse which is why and how we refer to it here at Post Office Fans.

From what I could tell, I knew parking was going to be problematic, and since I was by myself I needed to navigate this visit carefully. Luckily, I arrived early to get photos with no cars or people in the images.

I actually called when I got home from my trip and the person I spoke to did confirm the building had original murals inside the lobby of the building. He also mentioned there is a small write-up near the artwork which explains the work.

I did not get mural photos of this one, on this trip so I’ll have plan on re-visiting sometime in the future.

UPDATE

During my recent visit in August of 2021, I was denied photographing the murals in the lobby. Even after explaining to the guards and calling a few others, the ultimate answer was no. Since the murals were installed when this building operated as a post office is my interest in wanting to photograph them. However, fast forward to today, the building is no longer a post office. The GSA, Marshall services and GSA operate out the building today. Images of the murals can be viewed on the General Services Administration Website.

David W. Gates Jr.

Sources

Personal visit on 5/21/21 about 7:54 AM and 8/10/2021 about 3:38 PM by David W. Gates Jr.
(affiliate link) New Jersey Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
General Services Administration (Clarkson S. Fisher U.S. Courthouse, Trenton, NJ | GSA)
NJ.com N.J. post offices showcase Depression-era public art – nj.com
(affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
General Services Administration https://www.gsa.gov/location/NJ#

Former Little Falls New Jersey Post Office

May 31, 2021 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 19 Warren St., Little Falls, New Jersey 07424
ARTIST: James Brooks
TITLE: Labor and Leisure
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The former Little Falls post office is no longer an active, operating facility. However, the mural still resides in the building. The mural can be viewed by interested members of the public. Interested parties should contact the Little Falls Civic Center for hours and availability.
YEAR: 1936

Initially I didn’t think I was going to be able to see this one. However, after calling the phone number listed on the front door, I was able to make immediate arrangements to see the mural. This was truly lucky timing as I was in and out in very little time.

The drawback to having such a concentrated trip is not being able to spend more time to really enjoy the mural and the immediate area. But I’m happy I called and made the visit.

Thanks to the director and local assistant and for the Civic Center for allowing me to see this. Especially during this difficult pandemic time.

David W. Gates Jr.