New Jersey

ADDRESS: 155 Clinton Rd, Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
ARTIST: Brenda Putnam
TITLE: Sorting the Mail
MEDIUM: Plaster (lunette)
STATUS: The Caldwell post office on Park Ave. is still an active, operating facility. However, the lunette was moved from its original location to the West Caldwell facility here on Clinton Road. It formally resided in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1934

When I went looking for the mural in Caldwell, I visited the original building on Park Ave. When I arrived in May of this year, I was told the art had been removed from the building. The clerk I spoke to mentioned it was being installed in the newer post office on Clinton road.

At the time I had not planned on an extra visit, so I did not visit the West Caldwell post office until my second trip in August of 2021. When I arrived, the clerk mentioned the art has been restored and covered up. The postal service was going to hold a dedication ceremony in 2020, however, due to the COVID pandemic, the celebrations were canceled. However, the art is still covered up.

When I visited in August, I was hoping that by the time I arrived it would have been dedicated and on display. Sadly this was not the case. The art is still coved up and no matter how hard I tried to get the clerk to let me see it, I was denied.

That is ashamed. I was really hoping to see this one and to photograph is during this visit. Another time my friend, another time. I did meet a nice lady who mentioned, that once the art is revealed she would take a picture and send it to me. I promptly provided my business card. I hope she remembers when it gets uncovered.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.