| In
December of 2004 TE received a letter from a Mr. Loyd, a former Mineolan now living
in New Orleans. From his letter: [A feature in Texas Highways] "brought back memories
of the mural in my hometown post office in Mineola,
Texas. I could not find a listing indicating if the post office or the mural
were still there, [it is likely] torn down or painted over. As a youth growing
up there in the 40's & 50's I was always impressed with the painting. If I remember
correctly, it depicted a train (Mineola was a terminal of The Texas & Pacific
Railroad Co.) and agricultural scenes from the area. If anyone can advise if the
post office and the mural are still there at the corner of Pacific & Kilpatrick
Streets I would greatly appreciate it."
At the time we received the letter
we were knee-deep in courthouses and demolished buildings (figuratively speaking)
so we answered Mr. Loyd's letter with advice to contact Mineola. He did and took
time to write back:
"Thank you for your quick reply to my inquiry of
the Mineola Post Office mural. I received an email from Mercy Rushing with the
Mineola Chamber of Commerce, and she advises that the city now
owns the old post office and is to be turned into a Museum of Mineola. The mural
is currently being refurbished by the Son and Grandsons of the original artist
named Zackheim. They plan an opening in May 2005."
We thanked
Mr. Loyd for this information and contacted Mercy Rushing at the Mineola Economic
Development Department. She offered to send an image of the mural - which she
did within the hour. Two images arrived - one in black and white and one in color.
We forwarded them to Mr. Loyd.
For whatever reason, the mural had been
listed as "missing" in a brochure put out by the Texas Historical Commission.
With eighty or so of the murals extant, it's easy to miss one or two. Perhaps
the old post office had been in private hands. But all's well that ends well,
and the mural has not only been "discovered" but is currently being restored.
Ms. Rushing's letter:
"Attached is the color version
of our Mural for the Post Office, painted by Bernard Zacheim. This mural will
be recreated by son, Nathan Zakheim of California. Mural recreation is being funded
by the Meredith Foundation for $49,000.00, project expected to be complete by
May 2005." - Mercy
Rushing, CCD, Community/Economic Dev. Director , City of Mineola, TX. |
