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Post
Office Mural in Giddings
Photo courtesy of Mike McCann |
Just
east of Hwy 77 and on the northside of Hwy 290 you'll see the tidy Giddings Post
Office. Open 24 hours for your mural-viewing pleasure. Stop in and see "Cowboys
Receiving the Mail" by Otis Dozier circa 1939.
This is one of the
better murals. Others nearby include Elgin, Rockdale,
and Smithville. |
Forum:
Subject:
Otis Dozier
Dear Texas Escapes, I stumbled across a familiar sight while
poking around on [your magazine] namely, the mural by Otis Dozier in the Giddings,
Post Office. I was born and raised in Giddings and have seen that mural daily
the vast majority of my 57 years here. I cannot recall the date, not even close,
but some time in the 70's or possibly the early 80's on one of my daily visits
to my P.O. Box, I noticed a gentleman on a ladder lightly dusting off the old
mural with a small brush high on the east wall. I also believe he was securing
a loose corner. I was in no hurry and most curious so I watched awhile then went
and checked my mail. I cannot remember if he was alone or a second person was
watching from below.
A bit later I do remember a gentleman stepping over
to me and extending his hand. He introduced himself as the author of the mural,
"just call me Otis" is what he said, to the best of my knowledge. We spoke the
better part of 45 minutes and he explained he had bid on painting the mural back
when there was a Federal Works program of sorts that contracted him to do it.
He went on to mention he had murals in other states and was either teaching or
had retired from or was considering retiring from teaching art, of which he had
taught in many places during his career. I remember little to nothing of his physical
description, but for some reason I see him as being a bit thin and had a moustache.
He could have been in his late 60's.
I may be getting this part of my
story all confused after all these years, but I asked why the cowboy theme. He
said "it was either chickens or cowboys and the Post Office liked cowboys"! I've
never understood this but I bet there's a story behind it, assuming I remember
the event correctly.
He also went on to explain he visited his Texas murals
as often as he could to simply check their condition and make minor repairs if
needed and since he happened through this area occasionally and the Post Office
was right on the highway, it was no bother.Sorry for the somewhat vague and rambling
account of a brief visit with a stranger. For some reason this event has stuck
in my mind all these years.
Oddly enough, I think I answered my own question
regarding the choice of "chickens or cowboys" as the theme. I did a Google search
of Mr. Dozier after I emailed you and followed a number of links. One was an interview,
I believe in 1965, which the mural was mentioned in detail. And you are correct,
a regional industry was a popular theme, however, when Mr. Dozier turned in a
drawing of processing chickens for approval, the Post Office wasn't impressed
by such a bloody industry and substituted a cowboy theme. Probably a wise choice
since it wouldn't be accepted today, more than likely!
Thanks again for
the reply and sharing that mural with others. It was only this morning while waiting
at the window in the Post Office that I glanced up for the thousandth time at
that old mural. Mr. Dozier did indeed sound like a unique individual and it is
so odd that after all these years, in a matter of a few hours, I have one less
mystery in my life... - Don L. Spivey, Giddings, Texas, March 10, 2007 |
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