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Marion Overby

Post offices that have artwork by the artists Marion Overby

Traverse City Michigan Post Office

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Traverse City MI Post Office 49684
Traverse City MI Post Office 49684

ADDRESS: 202 S. Union St., Traverse City, Michigan, 49684
TITLE: The Cherry Picker
ARTIST: Marion Overby
MEDIUM: Wood Relief
STATUS:  Missing, lost, or destroyed
YEAR: 1941

Today’s featured post office is Traverse City, Michigan. I need help with this one. I only did a little research prior to my visit in September of 2015. It’s listed as having New Deal Art, but when I arrived there was nothing on the walls.

While we were in Traverse City, my wife did a little more research and discovered the art had been used to pay a debt to a contractor some time in the past. The name of the article or source of this information escapes me now so I need your help. What do you know? What have you heard?

Does anyone know what happened to the wood carvings? and or where they may be currently located? Does anyone have images of the building or art prior to the lobby being painted or remodeled? Are there any local citizen who are historic buffs that may know the history of this building or the art that once resided here?

Ever since my wife and I ran across this article of the art being used to pay a contract I’ve been obsessed with tying to find the truth and or the person who is now in possession of it.

I just want to see it. I just want to photograph it. If you know anything about this I’d love to hear from you. Please comment and share below.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684 Cornerstone
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
Traverse City Michigan Post Office 49684
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121-CMS-6B-38-ac-crop4
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121-CMS-6B-38-ac-copy

“Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service®. All rights reserved.”

Sources

Mason Michigan Post Office

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Mason MI Post Office 48854
Mason MI Post Office 48854

ADDRESS: 144 W. Ash St., Mason, Michigan, 48854
TITLE: Early Postmaster
ARTIST: Marion Overby
MEDIUM: Terra-cotta (relief)
STATUS: The relieve resides in the lobby above the postmaster’s door.
Year: 1939

I debated with myself as to whether I should post this one. Here is why, for starters the construction in the front of building. Not the prettiest picture but at least I was able to document a little bit. Another reason I almost didn’t post this one is because it was closed at the time I visited. It was a Sunday, and this one does not keep the lobby open.

So those were the two reason I almost decided not to post this one yet. But I figured it may be a while before I get back to this one. And that is the story for a lot of the photos I have, and I figured I might as well get them out there. Just because I don’t like the photo, or because I wasn’t able to get the artwork shouldn’t prevent me from posting that I’ve at least made the effort. So that is my story and I’m sticking to it. Yes, I visited, No I did not get inside to view the artwork. But that is how is goes sometime. And although I’m not OK with it, what other choice do I have?

So I’m offering this one up for you all. What can you tell me about it? Do you have picture’s you like to send me of the artwork here? Maybe some historical photos or stories?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Mason Michigan Post Office 48854
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854 Cornerstone
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854 Cornerstone
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854

Update September 2015

The lobby was closed during my initial visit in November of 2010. It must have been a Sunday or after hours. I don’t remember which, but I was not able to view the art. So when I return to Mason in August of this year 2015 I made sure to visit during business hours. Another bonus from this visit is that the construction was completed and the construction cones and flags obstruction the view of the building were gone.

That’s what it take some times to get these great pictures. Multiple visits and a willingness to keep at it. I hope you enjoy the following updated images of the Mason building and its plaster cast.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Mason Michigan Post Office 48854
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Bottom
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Full
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Full
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Detail
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Full
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Lobby
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Signature
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Signature
Mason Michigan Post Office Art 48854 Top
Mason Michigan Post Office 48854

“Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service®. All rights reserved.”

Sources