ADDRESS : 57 E. Main St. Chilton, Wisconsin 53014
ARTIST: Charles W. Thwaites
TITLE: Threshing Barley
MEDIUM: Oil on canvas (mural)
STATUS: The Chilton Post Office is active to this day, and the mural is accessible to members of the public. It resides in the lobby on the wall above the postmaster’s door.
YEAR: 1940
Chilton Wisconsin was another one of those visits that makes this hobby so rewarding. Chilton has a beautiful mural and, in addition to viewing this great art, I was also able to meet the Chilton postmaster. I’m really excited when I find a postmaster who is interested in not only in their work but also the historic building they work in. Chilton is a perfect example.
When I approached the front counter the lady at the desk asked me to wait and that the postmaster had some more information about the mural. It turns out the artist had also published a book and the postmaster had a copy that was signed by the artists.
Reflecting back on this experience, I’m learning that it really pays to inquire about the Mural and buildings of the post offices I visit. As it turns out I’m also able to share this with all of you. What are your thoughts on this wonderful post office and mural? Have you visited this one?
Thanks for stopping by
David W. Gates Jr.
“Used with the permission of the United States Postal Service®. All rights reserved.”
Sources
- Personal visit on 8/21/2012 & 7/5/2016 by David W. Gates Jr.
- Wisconsin Post Office Murals by David W. Gates Jr.
- Wisconsin Post Office Mural Guidebook 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
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places, Reference Number (00001249).
- National Archives Records and Administration Identifier Number (106778772).
- Smithsonian American Art Museum Mural Study (Threshing Barley (mural study, Chilton, Wisconsin Post Office) | Smithsonian American Art Museum)
- A Creative Place: The History of Wisconsin Art
- The Art of Charles W. Thwaites: Freedom of Expression
- Calumet County Historical Society (Chilton Post Office – Mural.pdf (calumetcountyhistoricalsociety.org)
- Gallery of Wisconsin Art (Charles Thwaites – Gallery Of Wisconsin Art)