Berlin Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Berlin Post Office
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![]() Berlin Post Office
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Location | 122 S. Pearl St., Berlin, Wisconsin |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1936-1937 |
Architect | Louis A. Simon |
Architectural style | Art Moderne |
MPS | United States Post Office Construction in Wisconsin MPS |
NRHP reference No. | 00001248 |
Added to NRHP | October 24, 2000 |
The Berlin Post Office is an important building located in Berlin, Wisconsin. It was built a long time ago, in 1936, and is known for its cool design. This building is more than just a place to mail letters; it's a part of American history and art.
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What is the Berlin Post Office?
The Berlin Post Office is a historic building that serves the community of Berlin, Wisconsin. It was designed to be a modern and useful place for people to send and receive mail. Today, it still operates as a post office.
A Special Design: Art Moderne
The post office has a unique style called Art Moderne. This type of architecture was popular in the 1930s. It uses smooth lines, rounded corners, and simple shapes. Think of it as a very sleek and modern look for its time. It often looks like it's ready to move, even though it's a building!
Built During a Special Time
This post office was built between 1936 and 1937. This was during a tough time in American history called the Great Depression. Many people were out of work. The government started programs to help.
The Public Works Administration
One of these programs was the Public Works Administration (PWA). The PWA helped fund many building projects across the country. These projects created jobs for people who needed them. Building the Berlin Post Office was one of these important projects. It helped people in Berlin find work.
Art Inside: The "Harvesting Cranberries" Mural
Inside the Berlin Post Office, you can find a beautiful painting. This painting is a mural called "Harvesting Cranberries." It was created by an artist named Ray Rudell. Murals are large paintings often done directly on a wall.
What is a Mural?
A mural is a big piece of art that tells a story or shows a scene. The "Harvesting Cranberries" mural shows a local scene. It celebrates the important cranberry farms in Wisconsin. This art made the post office a more welcoming and interesting place for everyone.
Why is it a Historic Place?
The Berlin Post Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It was added to this list on October 24, 2000.
What Does "Historic Place" Mean?
Being on the National Register means a building has special historical or architectural value. The Berlin Post Office is important because of its Art Moderne design. It also shows how the government helped people during the Great Depression. It's a reminder of how communities came together.
Who Designed It?
The architect who designed the Berlin Post Office was Louis A. Simon. Architects are people who design buildings. Simon was a well-known architect who designed many government buildings during that time. His work helped shape the look of many towns across the country.