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Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office

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Park Falls WI Post Office 54552
Park Falls WI Post Office 54552

ADDRESS: 109 1st St. Park Falls, Wisconsin 54552
ARTIST: James Watrous
TITLE: Flambeau River Fight
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS:  The Park Falls Post Office is still active and the mural decoration remains viewable by the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1938

Park Falls is another post office gem. It has also been dedicated a National Historical Site in 1996. The building itself is quite impressive standing several stories. I was told by the friendly postal working that it also housed several government offices when it as first built.

Park Falls also houses one of the largest murals I’ve seen. (See Photographs) Legend has it two logging company’s fought each other for the privilege of driving their logs down the Flambeau river.

As I visited I was also greeted by a very friendly postal worker. I started asking about the mural and he proceeded to tell me all about the mural and the artist. Even before I read the mural description, he was quick to tell me about the legend of the two logging companies.  He mentioned back in those days being the first down the river could possibility mean the difference of getting paid or not getting paid. I guess back in those days the wood mills only took in so much wood and thus only paid for so much lumber. If you were last to get to the mill you may not get paid. This is the story I heard from the postal worker. Whether this is legend or fiction I’m unknown but a great story.

The postal worker I met also mentioned that a previous postmaster at some point wanted to paint over or have the mural taken down because it was so violent. I’m certainly glad he or she changed their minds. Although it is a violent depiction of our past it’s still a wonderful painting and is also a reminder of the way life used to be.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Lumberjack Fight on the Flambeau River by James Waltrous, photo credit David W. Gates Jr.

Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Artifacts
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Boxes
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Cornerstone
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Mural Right Side bottom
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Mural Left Side
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Mural Description 54552
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Mural Center
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Lobby Bulletin
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Historical Plaque
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Historical Award 1996
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Mural Right Side
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office, Artists James Watrous Signature
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552 Old Photos
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552 Old Photos
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552 Old Photos
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office 54552
Park Falls Wisconsin Post Office Mural 54552

“Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service®. All rights reserved.”

Sources

Former Stehekin Washington Post Office

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Stehekin WA Post Office 98852
Stehekin (Former) Washington Post Office 98852

ADDRESS: 31 DeFacto Ln., Stehekin, Washington 98852

My initial visit to the Stehekin post office was in 2010. The reason for my visit was not to photograph the building. My reason and the reason so many other hikers stop here is to pickup their provisions. Stehekin is ideally located and easy access for Pacific Crest Trail hikers.

So I have a special place and fond memories of visiting this one. I’m sad to see that it has closed and is now on under my “Former” post office category but delighted I was able to visit when I did. I know PCT hikers will be sad to see this one go.

Stehekin was also the first place I became aware of the Postal Portrait book.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Sources

  • Personal visit on 9/24/2010 by David W. Gates Jr.
  • United States Postal Service

Former Hamilton Montana Post Office

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Hamilton (Former) MT Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) MT Post Office 59840

ADDRESS: 150 N. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana, 59840
TITLE: Flat Head War Party
ARTIST: Henry Meloy
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The mural resides in the original building. It’s in the lobby above the postmaster’s door. Note this section of the post office is no longer used, it was turned into museum. Hours are limited.
YEAR: 1942

I was super excited when I finally made it to the Hamilton MT Post Office. My initial research revealed it is a WPA era post office and contained a mural inside. The sign on the front door mentioned the hours of the museum as 10:00AM. “Museum” I told myself”, I didn’t know there was a museum here. I just though it had a mural. So you could imagine my surprise when I found out it was a museum.

I waited around for an hour for it to open. When 10:00 rolled around I walked right up and the door was still locked. Hum! I said to myself, Maybe they are just running late so I waited around for about 15 minutes. When nobody showed up I went around to the new post office right behind the old one. The man at the counter called for someone to assist me. Since I had not shaven or done laundry since I finished hiking a few days ago I’m sure I looked homeless.

When I inquired about the museum, the postal employee explained he would open the front door but the interior vestibule doors would be locked. Hum, I thought to myself. I was really hoping to get inside of the lobby in order to get a good picture of the mural and the rest of the artifacts. But I guess I’ll take what I can get. The postal employee disappeared and went to open the front door of the old building. I had to exit the newer building and walk around to the front door. By the time I got there the postal worker was already gone and the only views I had were from the small vestibule.

I was disappointed I had to photograph the mural from behind glass and at a distance but at least I’m able to bring you this amazing mural. I’m glad the town of Hamilton has decided to preserve this building and mural. The additional artifacts through-out the lobby were a real treat to see.

Thanks,

David W. Gates Jr.

Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Former Hamilton Montana Post Office Historic Plaque
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Corner Stone
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Center 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840 Artifacts
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Left 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office Mural Right 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840
Hamilton (Former) Montana Post Office 59840

“Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service®. All rights reserved.”

Sources