ADDRESS: 120 N. Broadway St., Lowell, Michigan, 49331
ARTIST: Lumbering in Early Lowell
TITLE: Alfred Sessler
MEDIUM: Mural
STATUS: The Lowell post office is still an active, operating facility and the mural can be viewed by interested members of the public. The mural resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1941
I wanted to visit the headquarters of the North County Trail Association. However, when we arrived in was a Sunday and most business were closed.
After reviewing my photos, it’s clear the images of the top half the mural are dark. Its especially challenging when there is little lighting in the lobby. I also think the mural also using darker colors for the overall theme, making it difficult to photograph. As hard as I try go get good images, sometimes you have to move along and accept what you can get.
I had no idea Lowell was know for lumber. I pictured this as more of a Wisconsin Or Maine type of industry. I guess we learn something everyday.
Thanks,
David W. Gates Jr.
“Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service®. All rights reserved.”
Sources
- Personal visit on 8/06/2015 by David W. Gates Jr.
- United States Postal Service
- (affiliate link) Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal: [Hardcover] Marlene Park, Gerald E. Markowitz
Robert Mis says
The Lowell, Michigan Post Office was built by The C. R. Chappelear Construction Co. P.O. Box 146 Sylvania, Ohio with a low bid amount of $47,131.00, contract awarded in 1939. Mr. Walter L. Cronin was the Construction Engineer for the Government. It is also interesting to note David, at the foot of the handicap ramp, the engraving ( Postmaster Charles Doyle 1986) Only to speculate, possibly a long time postmaster ??? perhaps some one could help ???
( Robert Mis collection)
Post Office Freak says
Cool, and by the way Sylvania, Ohio art was moved to the newer building. Yes, interesting that the ramp has an engraving of Charles Doyle 1986. I have not seen many buildings that have this sort of engraving.
Thanks, David
Post Office Freak says
Hi Robert,
So this is the type of information I was looking to get during my next visit to the Archives. Do you remember where you found the construction information or the contracts for these buildings?
Thanks,
David