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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.
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