The lamps shown below are at the post office buildings in the towns of Easton, Pocomoke City, and Hagerstown (all in Maryland). These post office buildings were constructed during the 1930s as part of the New Deal effort to modernize America. It's possible that the lamps were installed after the main New Deal era was over (i.e., after the early-mid 1940s) but it's my guess that they are original to the buildings. Why? Because they are very creative and ornate and, ever since the New Deal, there has been a steady decline in the aesthetics of public architecture until, today, we have an ever-growing number of newly-constructed public buildings that are as bland and boring as can be. So, enjoy a small dose of public architecture from yesteryear, from a time when creative public art wasn't labeled "wasteful spending!!" or "godless communism!!"
(A lamp on the post office building in Easton, Maryland. Photo by Brent McKee, 2014.)
(A lamp at the post office building in Pocomoke City, Maryland. Photo by Brent McKee, 2014.)
(A lamp on the post office building in Hagerstown, Maryland. Photo by Brent McKee, 2012.)
(A closer look at the detail on the Hagerstown lamp. Note the missing star. Photo by Brent McKee, 2012.)
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