MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES "Democratic Vistas" by Marlene Park and Gerald Markowitz Temple University Press, Philadelphia, PA 19122 - ISBN prefex numbers 0-87722, History of Post Office Construction 1900-1940, July, 1982 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY .847 UTM REFERENCES 4[18117/0,0101110) 14.6/8,111,1,0 ZONE EASTING NORTHING Likiled BL.J ZONE EASTING -a LEiLLi JLibiLul VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION The site located at the Northerly corner of Woodbridge and Hadley Streets is trapezohedron in form and contains approximately 36,900 square feet. LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE CODE - COUNTY CODE. STATE CODETE COUNTY CODE 11 FORM PREPARED BY NAME/ TITLE El1sworth H. Kent; Architect ORGANIZATION SULLIVAN DESIGN GROUP, INC.
STREET & NUMBER 44 Adams Street CITY OR TOWN Braintree DATE July 15, 1985 TELEPHONE (617) 848-1545 STATI /assachusetts 02184 CERTIFICATION OF NOMINATION STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER RECOMMENDATION YES NO_ NONE X valeue A - Talmase 9/15/65 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE In compliance with Executive Order 11593, I hereby nominate this property to the National Register, certifying that the State Historic Preservation Officer has been allowed 90days in which to present the nomination to the State Review Board and to evaluate its significance. The evaluated level of significance is National_State -_Local. FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE TITLE de Director, Office of Real Estate DATE NOV 2 5 1985 FOR NPS USE ONLY I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS PROPERTY IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER DIRECTOR.
OFFICE OF ARCHEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ATTEST: KEEPER OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER DATE DATE GPO 899-214 Hadley Street Bank Shops College Inn College Street ~ Civi1 War Monument Lown Common Woodbridge Street Mount Holyoke College College Building Church Street First Congregational Church United States Post Office - South Hadley, Massachusetts Apartments House conv to comme Park Street Resident less than 50yrs WASO Form - 177 ("R" June 1984) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET United States Post Office-South Hadley Main Post Office Hampshire County MASSACHUSETTS resubmission nomination by person or local government owner objection appeal Substantive Review: Reviewer's comments: sample Jrequest appeal pee ittacked comment Substant1v@wBfRTigeNo. NOV 2 7 1985 Fed. Reg.
Date: Date Due: /2/26/85 1/4/86541 Action: ACCEPT LRETURN 1-10-86 _REJECT Federal Agency: US. Portal Savue -NR decision Recom./Criteria Returu Doriever SrenJectural History Discipline Date -2-81 see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: technical corrections cited below substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Category Ownership Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? yes j no 7. Description Condition excellent good fair deteriorated ruins unexposed Check one J unaltered altered Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance summary paragraph completeness clarity alterations/integrity dates boundary selection Status Accessible Present Use Check one J original site moved date 8.
Significance Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) Builder/Architect summary paragraph completeness clarity applicable criteria justification of areas checked relating significance to the resource context relationship of integrity to significance justification of exception other antval svtdnedadne 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UTM References Verbal boundary description and justification 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: national state local State Historic Preservation Officer signature date title 13.
Other Maps Photographs Other Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Bith Savage Signed katuick Andurs _ Date - 1110/86 (202) 343-9550 _ Phone:_ Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet REVIEW COMMENTS U.S. Post Office-South Hadley, MA 01/02/86 Significance: Please clarify the stylistic mode of design and further develop the statement of architectural significance. Since this property is less than 50 years old, please address criteria exception g. by discussing the exceptional significance of this property within the appropriate context. Cited in Democratic Vistas by Park and Markowitz is a mural by Saul Levine located in this post office.
If the mural is still extant, please evaluate the importance of it to the building and iis relationship to the 1930s federally sponsored art programs, a recognized significant national cultural historical theme (see letter from Jerry L. Rogers to James Coe dated 12/05/86). Photographs: Please provide a photo of the mural. Form No. 10-306 (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM RECEIVED NOV 27 1985 DATE ENTERED MAY 2 8 1986 FOR FEDERAL PROPERTIES SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS NAME HISTORIC United States Post Office AND/OR COMMON South Hadley Main Post Office 2 LOCATION STREET & NUMBEf Hadley Street CITY.
TOWN South Hadley STATE Massachusetts 01075 CLASSIFICATION N/A VICINITY OF CODE 1230 N/A NOT FOR PUBLICATION CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Eirst Congressional District COUNTY CODE Hampshire 015 CATEGORY _DISTRICT X BUILDING(S) STRUCTURE _SITE _OBJECT OWNERSHIP XPUBLIC _PRIVATE BOTH PUBLIC ACQUISITION N/AIN PROCESS _BEING CONSIDERED STATUS XOCCUPIED _UNOCCUPIED WORK IN PROGRESS ACCESSIBLE X_ YES: RESTRICTED _YES: UNRESTRICTED -NO PRESENT USE AGRICULTURE -MUSEUM _COMMERCIAL _PARK _EDUCATIONAL _PRIVATE RESIDENCE _ENTERTAINMENT X GOVERNMENT RELIGIOUS SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL _TRANSPORTATION -MILITARY _OTHER: 4 AGENCY REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS: (If applicable) New England Field Real Estate and Buildings Office STREET & NUMBER 1050 Waltham Street CITY. TOWN Lexington N/A VICINITY OF LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION STATE Massachusetts 02173 COURTHOUSE REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC.
STREET & NUMBER Hampshire Registry of Deeds 33 King Street CITY. TOWN Northampton REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS STATE Massachusetts TITLE None DATE _FEDERAL STATE _COUNTY_LOCAL DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS CITY. TOWN STATE DESCRIPTION CONDITION X EXCELLENT _GOOD OUCi 8S Y FAIR _DETERIORATED _RUINS _UNEXPOSED CHECK ONE _UNALTERED XALTERED CHECK ONE XORIGINAL SITE _MOVED DATE. DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Situated on a pleasant, tree shaded common of a small New England town, this Post Office is a structure that reinforces the importance of this town center. Other buildings located around the common include a church and academic buildings circa 1880, two attractive frame houses of the early 1800's, which have been converted to restaurant use, a bank and small commercial buildings.
The Post Office situated to maximize its corner location is designed in a simplified classical style of symmetrical masssing and unornamented surfaces. A sense of dignity and government strength is evident in the three bay entrance portico which fronts the common. Massive columns are sheathed in light limestone which support an entablature of THE same material which is carried around the building. The exterior is red brick laid in English bond with a granite base, granite steps (with wrought iron railings) provide access to the portico which has a floor of bluestone. Large scale window with wood double hung sash of 12/12 lights flood the interior with light; the roof is flat with a projecting monitor section in the center. The lobby is not a particularly distinguished space, but contains many elements of the original design.
The floor is terrazzo and there is a seven foot marble wainscot with plaster walls above; original mouldings, open grill work and the wood and glass entrance vestibule are intact. The building was substantially enlarged and remodelled in 1968 to accommodate increased activity in postal services. This resulted in modernization of the lobby; partial acoustic ceiling, glass and aluminum partition and fluorescent light fixtures which detract from the original design of the interior. The exterior of the addition blends well with the original building and is not detrimental to the influential position of this public buiding.
APR 23 1986 DESCRIPTION CONDITION EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR DETERIORATED _RUINS _UNEXPOSED CHECK ONE UNALTERED XALTERED CHECK ONE X ORIGINAL SITE MOVED DATE DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Local Context Situated on the Northeast corner of a pleasant, tree shaded common of a small New England college town, this Post Office is a dominant structure that reinforces the cohesiveness and importance of the town center. Other buildings located around the common include the First Congregational Church and a stone academic building both circa 1880, two attractive frame houses of the early 1800's which have been converted to restaurant use, a bank and three small commercial buildings. The area is part of a historic district.
Physical Appearance The Post Office, situated to maximize its corner location is designed in a simplified classical style of symmetrical massing and unornamented surfaces. A sense of dignity and government strength is evident in the three bay entrance portico which fronts the common. Massive columns are sheathed in light colored limestone which support an entablature of the same which is carried around the building. The exterior is red brick laid in English bond with a granite base; granite steps with wrought iron railings provide access to the portico which has a floor of bluestone. Large scale window with wood double hung sash of 12/12 lights flood the interior with light; the roof is flat with a projecting monitor section in the center. The lobby is not a particularly distinguished space, but contains many elements of the original design.
The floor is terrazzo and there is a seven foot marble wainscot with plaster walls above; original mouldings, open grill work and the NPS Form 10:200-a (3-82) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form Continuation sheet SOUTH HADLEY, MASSACHUSETTS Item number 7 OMB No.1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 For NPS use only APR received date entered 23 1986 Page 2 wood and glass entrance vestibule are intact. The most important feature of the lobby is a mural painted by Saul L. Levine in 1942. Alterations The building was substantially enlarged and remodelled in 1968 to accommodate increased activity in postal services. This resulted in modernization of the lobby; partial acoustic ceiling, glass and aluminum partition and fluorescent light fixtures which detract from the original design of the interior.
The exterio of the addition blends well with the original building and is not detrimental to the influential position of this public building. . - 8 SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD _PREHISTORIC -1400-1499 1500-1599 .1600-1699 -1700-1799 -1800-1899 X1900- _ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC AGRICULTURE X_ARCHITECTURE ART _COMMERCE -COMMUNICATIONS AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW _COMMUNITY PLANNING _CONSERVATION _ECONOMICS _EDUCATION -ENGINEERING _EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT -INDUSTRY _INVENTION _LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE -LAW -LITERATURE -MILITARY _MUSIC _ PHILOSOPHY _POLITICS/GOVERNMENT -RELIGION SCIENCE _SCULPTURE SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN _THEATER _TRANSPORTATION -OTHER (SPECIEVI SPECIFIC DATES Constructed: 1940 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE BUILDER/ARCHITECT Leon Pernice, Architect J.D. Hedia Construction Co.
Builder This property is of prime importance in the enhancement of a small town common. The only building in the vicinity of this architectural style and with its strong presence it measures the progression of architectural development along with neighboring structures surrounding the green. The unusual curved colonade, bold and severe in design gives vitality and meaning to this public space which is a center of activity for the adjacent college community and surrounding area. The South Hadley Post Office, designed by Architect Leon Pernice who practiced in West Springfield, Massachusetts, is typical of the period when federal buildings were built to designs that originated within the Public Buildings Administration. Speedy and efficient construction was emphasized to relieve umemployment and stimulate the economy.
The design reflects the policy of the administration during this period which stipulated standardized plans, simplified classical design and a movement toward modernism. A one-of-a-kind property resulted when Architect Pernice enclosed the standardized building requirement with an exterior that incorporates regional expression along with the design prerequisites of the administration. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES "Democratic Vistas" by Marlene Park and Gerald Markowitz Temple University Press, Philadelphia, PA 19122 - ISBN prefex numbers 0-87722.
History of Post Office Construction 1900-1940, July,1982 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY .847 UTM REFERENCES AL1,8/ 17/0,010,1,01 14,6/8,1/1,1,01 ZONE EASTING NORTHING ZONE NORTHNG VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION The site located at the Northerly corner of Woodbridge and Hadley Streets is trapezohedron in form and contains approximately 36,900 square feet. LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES STATE CODE COUNTY CODE STATE CODE COUNTY CODE FORM PREPARED BY NAME / TITLE Ellsworth H. Kent, Architect ORGANIZATION SULLIVAN DESIGN GROUP, INC.
STREET & NUMBER 44 Adams Street CITY OR TOWN Braintree DATE July 15, 1985 TELEPHONE (617) 848-1545 STATE lassachusetts 0218 12 CERTIFICATION OF NOMINATION STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER RECOMMENDATION NONE X Valeue A lalmage 910185 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE In compliance with Executive Order 11593, I hereby nominate this property to the National Register, certifying that the State Historic Preservation Officer has been allowed 90 days in which to present the nomination to the State Review Board and to evaluate its significance. The evaluated level of significance is_National_ State Local. FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE TITLE /. de Director, Office of Real Estate DATE NOV25.
1985 FOR NPS USE ONLY I HEREBY CERTIFY TAAT THIS PROPERTY IS INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER ATTEST: AND MIDTONC ERESERVATION DATE 1/28/66 DATE KEEPER OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER GPO 899-214 23 1986 8 SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD PREHISTORIC 1400 1499 1500 1599 1600 1699 1700 1799 1800 1899 .900 AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE CHECK AND JUSTIFY BELOW ARCHEOLOGY PREHISTORIC ARCHEOLOGY HISTORIC AGRICULTURE XARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY PLANNING ART COMMERCE COMMUNICATIONS CONSERVATION ECONOMICS EDUCATION ENGINEERING EXPLORATION-SETTLEMENT INDUSTRY INVENTION LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IAW LITERATURE MILITARY MUSIC PHILOSOPHY POLITICS/GOVERNMENT RELIGION SCIENCE SCULPTURE SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN THEATER TRANSPORTATION - OTHER (SPECIEVI SPECIFIC DATES Constructed: 1940 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE BUILDER/ARCHITECT Leon Pernice, Architect J.D.
Hedia Construction Co., Buil This property is of prime importance in the enhancement of a small college town common. The only building in the vicinity of this architectural style and with its strong presence it measures the progression of architectural development along with neighboring structures surrounding the green. The unusual curved colonade, bold and severe in design gives vitality and meaning to this public space which is a center of activity for the adjacent college community and surrounding area. The 800 acre campus of Mount Holyoke College is located across the street from the Post Office and forms an integral community visually, economically and socially with the town-center.
The South Hadley Post Office, designed by Architect Leon Pernice who practiced in West Springfield, Massachusetts, is typical of the period when federal buildings were built to designs that originated within the Public Buildings Administration. Speedy and efficient construction was emphasized to relieve unemployment and stimulate the economy. The design reflects the policy of the administration during this period which stipulated standardized plans, simplified classical design and a movement toward modernism. A one-of-a-kind property resulted when Architect Pernice enclosed the standardized building requirement with an exterior that incorporates regional expression along with the design prerequisites of the administration.
(3-82) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form Continuation sheet SOUTH HADLEY, MASSACHUSETTS Item number 8 Exp. 10-31-84 For NPS use only recelved Arn 2 3 1986 date entered Page 2 In addition the mural in the lobby provides a significant and constant visual link with the neighboring college community. Painted in 1942 by Saul L. Levine, of Brooklyn, New York who studied painting at the Yale School of Fine Arts, it is titled, "Composite View of South Hadley" and depicts student activity at Mount Holyoke College. The college is a liberal arts college for women and was founded in 1837 by Mary Lyon.
Originally affiliated with the Congregational Church, it is today an independent institution, a member of the Seven College Conference popularly known as the "seven sisters" and has an international student body of 1850 people. The mural, which underwent restoration in 1972, is featured in the book, "Democratic Vistas" by Marlene Park and Gerald Markowitz, a book that addresse: post office and public art in the New Deal. This large work of art, executed in egg tempra, is exemplary of the work commissioned under the WPA to provide much needed work . tor artist during the tinal years of the Great Depression.
- Hadley Street Bank Shops Street College College Inn Civil War Monument Town Common Woodbridge Street Mount Holyoke College College Building Church Street United States Post Office - South Hadley, Massachusetts First Congregational Church 527C/ Apartments House converted x° commercial -200" Post 1751 office Park Street Residential WASO Form - 177 ("R" June 1984) 86001188 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET -50 United States Post Office--South Hadley Main Hampshire County MASSACHUSETTS POST OFFICE Siedntive Wevtew resubmission nomination by person or local government owner objection appeal Substantive Review: Reviewer's comments: sample request see aMached -appeal _technical corrections cited below _substantive reasons discussed below Working No. Fed. Reg.
Date: 21 #27/85 Date Due: _ 6/7/86 Action: ACCEPT - 5-28-86 RETURN _REJECT Federal Agency: L. S Pastal Sme LNR decision Recom./Criterja Accept A+C Reviewer _ Dite 15/27/86 Date vageteral Wstory _ see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Category Ownership Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? 7. Description Condition -excellent J good J fair deteriorated ruins unexposed yes Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance summary paragraph completeness clarity alterations/integrity dates boundary selection Status Accessible Present Use - no Check one - unaltered -altered Check one J original site moved date 8.
Significance Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates Builder/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) summaryparagraph completeness clarity applicable criteria justification of areas checked relating significance to the resource context relationship of integrity to significance justification of exception other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UTM References Verbal boundary description and justification 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: _national state local State Historic Preservation Officer signature date title 13.
Other Maps Photographs Other Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to - Signed Date - Phone: _ Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Review Comments USPO--South Hadley Main, Hampshire County, MA Although it is unlikely that the South Hadley Post Ottice 1s exceptionally significant for its architectural design, it is historically and artistically significant for its lobby mural entitled "Composite View of South Hadley" by Saul L. Levine which depicts student activity at Mount Holyoke College and the surrounding town. Founded in 1837, the college has always played a significant role in South Hadley.
The mural which underwent restoration in 1972, is featured in Democratic Vistas: Post Offices and Public Art in the New Deal by Marlene Park and Gerald Markowitz as an important regional representative of New England Realism evident in artwork sponsored by the public art programs of the New Deal. UNITED STATES POST OFFICE MAIN POST OFFICE SOUTHHADLEY, MA South Hadley Main Post Office South Hadley, MA David R. Hooker May 6, 1983 Earl R. Flansburgh and Associates Front elevation 11-27-85 MAIN POST OFFICE SOUTH HADLEY, MA 4//23/86 GATES POSTA UNITED U.S.MAIL SERVICE FIELD REAL ESTATE AND BUILDINGS OFFICE P.O. Box 324 Lexington, MA 02173-0324 August 5, 1985 The Honorable Joseph Long Chairman, Board of Selectman, Town of South Hadley Town Hall 116 Main Street South Hadley, MA 01075 Dear Chairman Long: The U.S.
Postal Service in conjunction with the Massachusetts Historical Commission in Boston has evaluated the Main Post Office in South Hadley and has determined it is significant from an historical viewpoint. In view of the above evaluation, the U.S. Postal Service intends to nominate this building to the National Register of Historic Places. We would, prior to our taking formal action, appreciate receiving your concurrence. If you concur with our proposed action, kindly return a signed copy of this letter in the enclosed envelope. Sincerely, MM Gregory Gilleland General Manager Concur : Enclosures JPC/1jr Jogah 7. Lmg / RECEIVED U.S POSTAL SERVICE AuG 13 9:10 B4°85 NEW ENCL ESTATE LEXINCTO JELD REAL OFFICE 02173 AATES POSTA UNITED U.S.MAIL SERVICE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Real Estate and Buildings Department 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20260-6400 November 25, 1985 Ms. Carol D.
Shull Chief of Registration National Register of Historic Places National Park Service Department of Interior Washington, D.C. 20240-1002 Dear Ms. Shull: The Postal Service hereby submits a nomination for the post office located at 1 Hadley Street, Hampshire County, South Hadley, Massachusetts. If you have any guestions concerning this nomination, please call me at 202/268-3107. Sincerely, lam s John S. Sorenson Realty Specialist, Senior Office of Real Estate Enclosure NOV 27 1985 IN REPLY REFER TO: H32 (413) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SER VICE P.O. BOX 37127 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20013-7127 DEC 5 1985 RECEIVED OFFICE OF REAL ESTATE DEC 10 1985 REAL ESTATE & BUILDINGS DEPT. Mr. James T. Coe Director, Office of Real Estate U.S. Postal Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, S. W. Washington, D.C. 20260 Dear Mr.
Coe: Thank you for your letter of October 21, 1985, concerning the recent Determination of Eligibility (DOE) for the group of Ohio post offices containing works of art commissioned by the Federal government during the 1930s. The National Park Service is aware of the tremendous job performed by the United States Postal Service in surveying and inventorying the buildings under its jurisdiction in compliance with Executive Order 11593 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The Postal Service's initiative in preserving historically significant postal buildings is a model of diligence in the Federal government. I want to assure you that in reviewing DOE requests submitted by your agency, the National Park Service considers the opinion of the Postal Service's professional staff as seriously as that of the State Historic Preservation Offices.
However, regarding the 1930s federally sponsored art program, we have a basic difference of opinion. As a class of properties, post office buildings containing examples of artwork produced under Federal government patronage during the Great Depression are exceptionally significant for their historic and artistic importance and for their ability to yield important information.
These buildings meet three of the National Register Criteria for Evaluation: (1) for their historical association with a government sponsored program that had a major impact on the lives of citizens in over a thousand communities, (2) as integral parts of buildings representing a significant type, period, and style of artistic expression, and (3) for their unique information potential on the artistic temperament and techniques of the period and the social histories of the communities for which this artwork was specifically designed. Some of the buildings may also qualify under Criterion B for their association with artists of significant individual distinction. The National Park Service regards works of art that are permanently affixed to interior walls to be integral parts of a building, and therefore as contributing to its historical significance.
The significance of these works of art cannot be divorced from the locality for which they were commissioned, or from the specifie building in which they were placed. Unlike most works of art, the murals, sculptures, and carvings created for the Treasury Department's Section on Fine Arts were designed for placement in specific buildings. The artwork had to be executed 'to meet the physical demands of each building's design. In keeping with the intent of the arts program to create original works of art which would be relevant to the American public, these works of art frequently depict scenes of local or regional importance. Though the art produced by this Depression-era arts program is of exceptional significance in the social history of the country, each building still must be evaluated individually for historic integrity as representative of that program.
In the case of the recent DOE, each building was found to contain artwork that met the National Register criteria and retained historic integrity from its period of significance. We hope this elaboration of our reasoning on the recent DOE answers the questions you have raised. I am willing to discuss this further if you wish. Sincere JyAfz Associate Director, Cultural Resources and Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places : UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE (CH/CHLtA)*4- AGHNI PL4. Washington, DC 20260 DATE: February 3, 1986 OUR REF: RB320:JSSorenson:sej:6432 SUBJECT: Request for Additional Documentation - Nomination South Hadley. MA - TO: 214 Gregory Gilleland General Manager New England FREBOM -AcTIoN The attached nomination for the South Hadley Post Office is being returned for additional documentation as reguested by the National Park Service (NPS).
Kindly supply the necessary information and return the nomination to this office. Be sure to include the NPS's Evaluation/Return Sheet. Please advise if I can assist you in this matter. Realty Specialist, Senior Realty Management Division Attachment RECEIVED U.S POSTAL SERVICE FE.B 6 9 33AM *86 NEW ENCLAND FIELD REAL ESTATE&D.CCG. OFFICE LEXINCTO1. N4 02173 SATES POSTA * ******* UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Real Estate and Buildings Department 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20260-6400 April 16, 1986 Ms. Carol D. Shull Chief of Registration National Register of Historic Places National Park Service Department of Interior Washington, D.C. 20240-1002 Dear Ms. Shull: The Postal Service hereby resubmits a nomination for the post office located at 1 Hadley Street, Hampshire County, South Hadley, Massachusetts.
If you have any questions concerning this nomination, please call me at 202/268-3107. Sincerely, auues Johns. Realty Specialist, Senior Office of Real Estate Enclosure APR 2 3 1986
Block