Wilmington Delaware Former Post Office

ADDRESS: 1100 N., Market St., Suite 1300, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
ARTIST: Albert Pels
TITLE: Landing of Swedens at The Rocks in Wilmington
MEDIUM: Oil and tempera (mural)
STATUS: The former Wilmington Delaware post office is no longer an active, operating facility. However, the mural can usually be viewed by interested members of the public during business hours. One mural resides east wall of the lobby and the other resides on the west wall of the lobby.
YEAR: 1938

ARTIST: Herman Zimmerman
TITLE: Chemistry and Industry, and Chemistry and Agriculture
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The former Wilmington Delaware post office is no longer an active, operating facility. However, the mural can usually be viewed by interested members of the public during business hours. One mural resides east wall of the lobby and the other resides on the west wall of the lobby.
YEAR: 1938

This was the very last visit during my trip in August of 2021. It was getting late on Saturday and I knew the building was going to closed, but I had imagined I might be able to get some good exterior photos during non-business hours.

Sadly, even on Saturday evening there were cars in front of the building. I also had no idea if and when they would move. I was able to get some angle shots, the plaque, the cornerstone so that was nice.

While I was outside, a car pulled up and a lady stood at the front door. From what I could gather she was delivering food for someone. Eventually the front doors, opened and the lady walked in. Since the doors were timed, I followed the lady in. I’m not sure I was suppose to do that but, I figured that was my chance to get inside the building.

Well, the security guard was not amused and quickly inquired as to my reason for being there. I pleaded my case to and explained I was from out of town and I was interested in photographing the murals. When I walked in the building I could bitterly see them – one on either side of the large lobby.

I was denied several times, but kept pushing, with my very last case, I asked if I could photograph them from where I was standing and that I didn’t need to be close. (I wanted to get something). He reluctantly agreed and allowed me to photograph one shot of each mural from where I was standing.

I had to zoom in all the way with my phone to get the two images you see below. The lights in the lobby were turned off so even if I were to get closer to the murals, I knew they would be dark. So I was pretty satisfied with the two images I did manage to get.

This confirms the murals are still in the building, in their original location. That little bit pleased me enough. Besides I was exhausted and still needed to get to Columbia, MD for the night.

Successful trip!

David W. Gates Jr.