Tennessee Post Offices

ADDRESS: 26 S. Broad St., Lexington, Tennessee, 38351
TITLE: Progress of Power
ARTIST: Grace Greenwood
TYPE: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The mural resides in the mural in it’s original location above the postmaster’s office door.
Year: 1938

My fist day in Tennessee was difficult and frustrating. Let me explain. One of the first buildings I visited, I struck out and was not able to photograph the mural. This occurred a few times while driving around Tennessee, not just the Former Lexington building. When I eventually arrived in Lexington, I discovered that it’s no longer an active post office but a museum. I had not done any research prior to my arrival but figured if all else failed I’d at least be able to get exterior photos of the building.

Another disappointment was that it was closed for renovations. Because of my stubbornness I didn’t just give up. I walked around the town trying to find anyone that was familiar with the building. I even ate at a local place, which by the way was really excellent. But I could not find anyone who knew anything about it. I spent more time than I wanted waiting around for someone to call from the museum but nothing ever materialize. I left with no photographs of the mural or even seeing the inside of this building. It was frustrating but at the same time I kept telling myself, I’ll have a reason to come back.

I’m asking for help with this one. Does anyone know if the mural is still in this building? I’d like to confirm that it is still there. If I know then I can at lease plan on another trip and maybe next time schedule an appointment with the local museum. The only information I’ve found so far regarding this museum is from the Tennessee vacation website.

So my quest to visit all buildings in Tennessee with artwork continues. It looks like I’ll be visiting multiple times in order to schedule and visit the former buildings.

UPDATE! January 2015

I was able to revisit this building in December of 2014. Since the museum has limited hours I needed to make arrangements to view it. I took lots of photos and had a wonderful visit with museum curator. What do think of this mural? What stands out for you? Please comment and share below.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

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 Sources

• Personal visit on 3/30/2013 and 12/23/2014 by David W. Gates Jr.
• Tennessee Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr.
• Tennessee Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
• (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
• Beech River Heritage Museum