Have you ever seen a mural like this in your local post office (or federal building)? You can thank Franklin Delano Roosevelt for them! During the Great Depression in 1930s America FDR's 'New Deal' employed artists to complete over 1,000 murals across America. The 'New Deal' was a series of projects aimed to address unemployment and benefit the communities.
This mural -- 1 of 2-- in Norristown, Pennsylvania was painted by Paul Mays and installed in 1936. It has hung in the lobby of the great marble post office for 88 years.
The themes of these 'New Deal' murals mattered. Local history, culture and industry were reflected for the 'every' man or woman to see on their daily trips to the post office. These murals are iconic for their 1930s style but also because they were a type of propaganda used to bolster morale during a national economic struggle. And today through their art style and imagery, they can teach us about that challenging period in American history.
If you'd like to learn more about the New Deal murals and where there might be some in your community check out this project 'Living New Deal'.
To learn more about the daily lives of men and women in 1930s America check out the letters in our archive from that time period.
Get in Touch.
Do you have a 'New Deal' mural in your community post office? We want to see it! Share with us today at info@fleamarketloveletters.com.
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