ADDRESS: 135 S. State St., Hart, Michigan, 49420
ARTIST: Ruth Grotenrath
TITLE: Boy Rounding Up the Stock
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Hart 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
Today’s featured post office is the wonderful building in Hart, Michigan. I was able to visit this one during the summer of 2015.
A bit disappointed in the placement of the railing in front of the corner stone. But at least its not entirely covered up or destroyed.
This mural feels full to me. I mean all the subjects fill up the space on the canvas. The colors are bold maybe that’s why I get a full feeling when I view it. I also feel the artist made an effort to make the subject as large as possible because of the placement high above the postmasters door.
What do you think about this one? Please comment and share below.
Thanks,
David W. Gates Jr.
Sources
- Personal visit on 8/05/2015 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
- Parma Conservation (https://parmaconservation.com)
Where would I find my great-grandfathers postmaster general history. His name was Lynn Raider, I’m not sure of the date of his tenure. I do have pictures of him there. It was Hart Michigan post office. Kenlrakenlraider@gmail.com thx
Hi Ken,
Thanks for the question. Researching former postmasters has always been an interest of mine. Unfortunately, I’ve not done a lot of it and I’m at a loss as to where to direct you.
If I were you I’d start with the current postmaster at Hart to find out if he or she has any information or could point you in the right direction. Aside from that you may also want contact the National Archives in Maryland.
Good luck,
Take care,
David