Finding a New Deal Fresco

Back in the 1970s, the post office in Melrose Park, IL underwent extensive renovations for repurposing as a public library. In doing so, a 1937 mural by Edwin Boyd Johnson titled Air Mail was presumably destroyed and lost forever. When library officials were recently asked about the virtually forgotten painting, however, they went on the hunt and eventually uncovered its remains. Their New Deal fresco originally consisted of a central male figure holding an air-mail letter soaring over a background of buildings with a transcontinental airplane on the left, but renovations demolished the center third portion. What remains, however, was deemed worthy to save so The Melrose Park Public Library has teamed up with the Midwest Chapter of the National New Deal Preservation Association and PARMA Conservation to preserve what is left of Johnson's fresco. Donations are currently being accepted for use towards this extensive and worthwhile project.

  • 11.20.09

robert devine commented: Hi Scott,

Thanks for sharing! The Parma Conservation web is especially interesting best, robert

  • 11.20.09

Steve B. commented: I LOVE this era in art. Can't decide if I'm angry or sad about past sins.

  • 11.20.09

Scott commented: Robert: That PARMA website is fantastic, isn't it? Be sure to take a look at all the WPA era murals they're restored. Marvelous stuff!

Steve: It's mine as well. I'm a little bit sad as well as a little bit angry about the errors of previous generations when it comes to things like this, although in a wider context it's easy to understand. It just wasn't values in the 70s ... it seemed outdated and out of style. We understand in hindsight the importance of New Deal program artwork, but it hasn't always been appreciated. I often think about how I feel about 1980s design now (I hate it, not to speak too strongly), and how it will have importance to future generations even though I probably will never appreciate it.

About the Archives ...

These news archives span back to Ars Longa's inception in August of 2004. Due to this longevity, many of the older posts may feature external links that have gone dead. Over time websites move pages and some even close shop altogether. I apologize for these inconsistencies, but in the interest in maintaining a full archive even entries whose links have expired will remain in place on Ars Longa.

Scott Lindberg

Scott Lindberg
Sllab Modern
scott@sllab.net