Post Office Murals

Many of the Post offices built in the 1930s during Roosevelt's New Deal were decorated with murals depicting enduring images of the local life." In the 1930s, as America struggled with the depression, the federal government looked for ways to provide work for artists. During this time government-created agencies funded the arts in unusual ways. Often losing the artist’s identity they funded them to paint local murals. Mural artists were provided with guidelines and themes for executing their mural studies. Scenes of local interest and events were deemed to be the most suitable. Unsuitable designs were vetoed by the town’s representative.  The artist was commissioned to paint what the representatives thought “Right” The heroic theme was celebrated and embraced. Historical events and daring and courageous acts were also popular themes. One famous depiction of a local hero is featured on the wall of the West Palm Beach post office. The legend of James Hamilton, Florida's barefoot mail carrier is told in six narrative panels. The artist, Stevan Dohanos, rendered the story of the long suffering postman who delivers the mail against all odds.  These murals provide local communities with a colorful record of their heritage and give us all a glimpse of the American public's taste during a fascinating time in our nation's history.  There are still a few of these in small Florida towns.