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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.

Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office

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Elkhorn WI Post Office 53121
Elkhorn WI Post Office 53121

ADDRESS: 102 E. Walworth St. Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121
ARTIST: Tom Rost
TITLE: Pioneer Postman
MEDIUM: Mural
STATUS: The Elkhorn Post Office is still active up to this day and the mu- ral viewable by members of the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1938

My initial visit to the Elkhorn post office was back in 2003. During this first visit I was only concerned with getting a picture of the building and one with me in front. Little did I know at the time that this one also has a mural inside. In 2003 I never investigated as thourghly as I do today.

In December 2010 while driving around we ended up stopping again in Elkhorn. This time I only took a picture of me in front of the building. For one reason or another I did not go inside, for reasons I can’t explain. I guess I was just looking for a better exterior picture. But after further thought, it must have been a Sunday and the lobby must have been closed is the only reason I could come up with.

In early 2012 after doing some research I realized this one indeed has a mural. So during another road trip I visited again. I took my time and even walked around the down town area for bit. The Elkhorn post office has a wonderful mural and I can officially check this one-off my list. After 3 different visits I’d say I’m happy with my photo collection.

What do you think about this one? Did you know the artists? Have you been asking “Who painted the Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office Mural?” Don’t worry you are not alone. I’ve asked this question myself and even created this nice little article about it. Please comment below.

Thanks for reading

David W. Gates Jr.

Pioneer Postman by Tom Rost, photo credit David W. Gates Jr.

 

Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121 Cornerstone
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office 53121 Tom Rost 1938
Elkhorn Wisconsin Post Office Mural 53121 Full

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

Sources

Clinton Illinois Post Office

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Clinton IL Post Office 61727
Clinton IL Post Office 61727

ADDRESS: 105 North Quincy Street, Clinton, Illinois 61727
ARTIST: Aaron Bohrod
TITLE: Clinton in Winter
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Clinton post office is still an active, operating facility, and the mural can be viewed by interested members of the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1939

In early February 2012 I decided to take another road trip. The Clinton, IL Post Office is one stop during this trip.

For my new readers, these are some of my favorite post offices. Take a look at the photos and you will see why. The artwork is amazing and the actual building has “Character”.  So you want to know why I visit post offices and take photographs? This is a prime example.

Not only does this one have art, but it is also named in honor of Gene Vance.  Clinton was the hometown of Gene and in 2006 congress named this post office in honor of him. Talk about being up to date with my post. Apparently he recently passed according the article.

I’m glad I visited during regular business hours as the mural is above the sales counter. This section of the lobby is locked and closed during non-business hours. The lady at the counter was very pleasant and allow me to photograph the mural.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727
Clinton Illinois Post Office Mural 61727 Full
Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727
Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727
Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727 Cornerstone
Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727
Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727 Honor Plaque
Clinton Illinois Post Office 61727

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

Sources:

Gibson City Illinois Post Office

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Gibson CIty IL Post Office 60936
Gibson CIty IL Post Office 60936

ADDRESS: 127 East 9th Street, Gibson City, Illinois, 60936
ARTIST: Frances Foy
TITLE: Hiawatha Returning with Minnehaha
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Gibson City post office is still an active, operating facility and the mural can be view by interested members of the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1940

My travels today brought me through Gibson City. I will be honest I did not research this post office and had no idea what it looked like. When I finally spotted it, I was excited because it had the appearance of an older building.

I started taking pictures of the exterior, when a postal worker spotted what I was doing. He paused a few times and walked back into the building.

I continued to take pictures and then headed inside. As I was walking through the front door a man stopped me in the entrance and asked what I was doing. He had a worried look on his face, but because I was caught off guard the only thing I could come up with is that I’m just visiting and taking pictures. He asked what for and I just mentioned I’m a fan of older post offices and I’m interested in the mural.

After I regained my thoughts I introduced myself and I think this set him at ease. Once he understood I wasn’t a threat he proceeded to show me the writeup on the wall regarding the mural and artist. I never asked but he appeared to be the postmaster as he headed back into the office with the postmaster sign on the door.

While we were taking he mentioned several other people have been by to photograph the mural. He even mention one lady had written a book about the mural. I proceeded to inquire about the book and he ran and got it for me to look at. This was really exciting to me and I’m so grateful I met him and learned something new.

The name of the book is “Let’s Look for Transportation in Illinois Post Offices” by: Mary Emma Thompson, Ph.D

I look forward to looking for this book later when I have time to reflect more on this visit. Has anyone else read or seen this book in print somewhere?

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office 60936 Artifacts
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office Mural 60936 Full
Gibson CIty IllinoisPost Office 60936 Corner Stone
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office 60936
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office 60936
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office Mural 60936 Signature
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office 60936 Ship
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office 60936 Train
Gibson CIty Illinois Post Office 60936 Airplane

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

Sources