ADDRESS: 150 N. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana, 59840
TITLE: Flat Head War Party
ARTIST: Henry Meloy
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The mural resides in the original building. It’s in the lobby above the postmaster’s door. Note this section of the post office is no longer used, it was turned into museum. Hours are limited.
YEAR: 1942
I was super excited when I finally made it to the Hamilton MT Post Office. My initial research revealed it is a WPA era post office and contained a mural inside. The sign on the front door mentioned the hours of the museum as 10:00AM. “Museum” I told myself”, I didn’t know there was a museum here. I just though it had a mural. So you could imagine my surprise when I found out it was a museum.
I waited around for an hour for it to open. When 10:00 rolled around I walked right up and the door was still locked. Hum! I said to myself, Maybe they are just running late so I waited around for about 15 minutes. When nobody showed up I went around to the new post office right behind the old one. The man at the counter called for someone to assist me. Since I had not shaven or done laundry since I finished hiking a few days ago I’m sure I looked homeless.
When I inquired about the museum, the postal employee explained he would open the front door but the interior vestibule doors would be locked. Hum, I thought to myself. I was really hoping to get inside of the lobby in order to get a good picture of the mural and the rest of the artifacts. But I guess I’ll take what I can get. The postal employee disappeared and went to open the front door of the old building. I had to exit the newer building and walk around to the front door. By the time I got there the postal worker was already gone and the only views I had were from the small vestibule.
I was disappointed I had to photograph the mural from behind glass and at a distance but at least I’m able to bring you this amazing mural. I’m glad the town of Hamilton has decided to preserve this building and mural. The additional artifacts through-out the lobby were a real treat to see.
Thanks,
David W. Gates Jr.
Sources
- Personal visit on 6/22/2012 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
