Post offices with murals, includes new deal and non-new deal art.

Elkton Maryland Post Office

August 27, 2021 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 137 W Main St, Elkton, Maryland 21921
ARTIST: Alexander B. Clayton
TITLE: Arrival of the Post, 1780
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: Unknown, The Living New Deal mentions the mural was restored and resided in the basement. However, when I visited in August 2021, the current postmaster had no clue as to the whereabouts of the mural. Yes, I did speak to him twice during this visit.
YEAR: 1939

I specifically stopped din Elkton as I knew this was one building that had a mural at one time. After some basic research I discovered the mural is not currently on display. I wanted to visit during business hours to inquire about it.

Turns out the postmaster had no idea where the mural was. He also mentioned nothing in the basement. This is all curious as LND has it listed as having been restored but not on display.

As info, I visited on August 10, 2021 about 1:25 PM. You will also notice from various photos the landscaping in front of the building. I’ve got this one on my radar to do more research. However, if you have further information regarding this one please comment below.

David W. Gates Jr.

Sources

Personal visit on 8/10/21 about 1:25 PM by David W. Gates Jr.
United States Postal Service

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office

July 18, 2021 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 201 Watchung Ave., Plainfield, New Jersey 07060
ARTIST: Anton Refregier
TITLE: Figures from American Folklore and Quilting Bee
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural) 2 panels
STATUS: The Plainfield post office is still an active, operating facility, and the murals can be viewed by interested members of the public. One resides on a wall above the postmaster’s door. The other one resides in the lobby on the wall above the mailboxes.
YEAR: 1937

The battery on my phone was really dying when I arrived at the Plainfield building. I took a few quick pictures outside, but immediately went inside to photograph the murals. I wanted to get these before the battery quit on me.

Luckily, I was able to get the murals and the exterior photographs, but its a bit unsettling when I can’t tell how long I have until the phone quits.

The lobby and vestibule in this building is huge. I was not expecting to find such a large space, but I did. It was also very quiet and which was nice so I was able to work quickly with no interruptions.

David W. Gates Jr.

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Cornerstone

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Lobby

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural1-3

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-11

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-3

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural1-Signature

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural1-5

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-10

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-9

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-8

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-7

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-6

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-Signature

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-Right

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-Left

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-13

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Mural2-5

Plainfield New Jersey Post Office 07060 Vestibule

Sources

Personal visit on 5/22/21 about 1:40 PM by David W. Gates Jr.
(affiliate link) New Jersey Post Office Mural Guidebook by David W. Gates Jr.
United States Postal Service
Washington Post (Post Offices Present and Preserve Work of Hundreds of New Deal Artists (washingtonpost.com))
(affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz

Princeton New Jersey Former Post Office

July 11, 2021 By David W. Gates Jr.

ADDRESS: 20 Palmer Square E, Princeton, New Jersey 08542
ARTIST: Karl Free
TITLE: Columbia Under the Palm
MEDIUM: Oil and tempera (mural)
STATUS: The former Princeton post office is no longer an active, operating facility. The building is now privately owned, restricting access to the public. The mural has been reported to still be in the building. It previously resided on a wall in the main lobby.
YEAR: 1932

Prior to my recent trip, I knew the old Princeton, New Jersey post office was privately owned. All research I did also mentioned the mural still being in the building.

However, after visiting and seeing the loading dock, it seems to be undergoing renovations. If you peak inside you can also see the lobby under construction.

Which makes me wonder if the mural is indeed still in the lobby. Because of the large trees in the front and the impromptu lunch setup in front, it was next to impossible to get a good image from directly in front of the building, even if there were no people. the large trees cover up the front.

David W. Gates Jr.