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

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

Former Hamilton Montana Post Office

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Hamilton (Former) MT Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) MT Post Office 59840

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.

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Former Hamilton Montana Post Office Historic Plaque
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Corner Stone
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Center 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Left 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Right 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840

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

Sources

Deer Lodge Montana Post Office

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Deer Lodge MT Post Office 59722
Deer Lodge MT Post Office 59722

ADDRESS: 510 Main St., Deer Lodge, Montana, 59722
TITLE: James and Granville Stuart Prospecting in Deer Lodge Valley – 1858
ARTIST: Verona Burkhard
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The mural resides in the lobby above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1939

You’re really going to like this one. I mean just looking at the exterior of this building I knew it was going to be a gem the first time I saw the building. I was not disappointed when I finally got a closer look at this Post Office.

Just off to the right of the steps is an interpretative plaque describing a little history of the Deer Lodge Post Office. Once you enter the building you are immediately drawn to the amazing and beautiful mural above the Postmaster’s door. When I think of Montana this is the scene that first comes to mind. So needless to say I was very happy to see it. As for Montana Post office murals there are only a few so you can imagine my delight to have been able to visit this one and share it with you. The only drawback was the newer USPS sign in front of this classic 30’s style building.

What do you know about this one? Did you help research this building? Where you the one’s responsible for the plaque out front? Please share your comments below. I’d really like to read them.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 1937 Cornerstone
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722 Artifacts
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office Mural Artist Photograph
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office Lobby
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722 Artifacts
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office 59722 Artifacts
Deer Lodge Montana PosT Office Mural 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office Mural Center 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office Mural Left 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office Mural Right 59722
Deer Lodge Montana Post Office Mural Signature 59722

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

Sources

Life Magazine December 4, 1939 Article

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Life Magazine December 4, 1939 Cover
Life Magazine December 4, 1939 Cover

I’m trying to remember when I came across this Life Magazine article. Some where along the way I learned that Life Magazine published an article featuring the winners of the commission to provide artwork for the post offices. The article was published in the December 4, 1939 issue and is titled “Speaking of Pictures”.

Since these are some of my favorite buildings, I had to have this article and magazine. So I jumped onto eBay and purchased it. The wonders of the modern world. See something you want, jump online and you can find it almost immediately.

The article goes on to explain 48 winners were selected from among 1,475 entries to the Section of Fine Arts department. The article shows black and white sketches of all 48 winners. I was delighted to learn that I have been to the Illinois Mural in Hamilton, IL. The sketches span over two pages in this issue.

Has anyone else seen any other articles in magazines or newspapers about your own local post office? I’d love to hear about it. Please comment below if you have.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Life Magazine December 1939 Post Office Mural Article
Life Magazine December 4, 1939 Cover
Life Magazine December 1939 Post Office Mural Article
Life Magazine December 1939 Post Office Mural Article
Life Magazine December 1939 Post Office Mural Article
Life Magazine December 1939 Post Office Mural Article
Discovering Live Magazine from December 1939

Sources

  • Life Magazine December 4, 1939
  • Various documents from the National Archives.