Oregon, IL WPA Art

New Deal/WPA Art in Oregon, Illinois

Most of the post office works of art were funded under the Treasury Department's Section commissions. Those works that were created using TRAP funds are so indicated. Although the WPA funded the construction of post office buildings, the artwork was not WPA but was usually produced under the Section or TRAP programs.

	The post office in Oregon, Illinois at 500 Washington Street has a tempera on plaster mural done by David B. Cheskin entitled "The Pioneer and Democracy".
	It was installed in 1940 and originally cost $800.
	The mural has been professionally restored and is in excellent condition, still located in the lobby.

Image courtesy of the USPS

Reference Source:
Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal
by Marlene Park & Gerald E. Markowitz

Note: The Oregon Public Library is on the Historic Register! Architect brothers and local Eagle's Nest Artist Colony members Irving and Allen Pond designed the 1908 building in the Arts and Crafts style with a gallery to showcase fine art.

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