More Post Office Murals - Russellville

Photo by Jimmy Emerson

Our column on the Tuscumbia Post Office mural garnered more mail than any since the inception of our blog. There were only four such murals created in the northwest Alabama area that loosely includes Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Winston, Lawrence, Morgan, and Limestone Counties. Of these four, three remain, and one has been painted over. Preservationists are hopeful that the latter may be restored with proper funding.

Today, we're featuring the mural displayed in the downtown Russellville Post Office located on Jackson Avenue, the small town's main street. The artwork is entitled Shipment of First Iron Ore Produced in Russellville and predates the Tuscumbia mural by one year. The artist responsible for this 1938 painting is Conrad A. Albrezzio. Unlike the Tuscumbia mural, the ownership of the Russellville art is undisputed--it is definitely the property of the United States Postal Service and is in no current danger of being moved or destroyed.

Still, the town of Russellville is in the process of using stimulus and other grant money to revitalize its downtown area. A prominent marker identifying the location of this wonderful New Deal art would be a very appropriate expenditure.


Tomorrow: Hartselle in Morgan County

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