Listen to the audio and read the full story on WGLT's website here
McHistory goes back in time to explore big moments and small stories from McLean County history. McHistory episodes can be heard periodically on WGLT's Sound Ideas.
U.S. society has largely moved away from the idea that public structures should symbolize elements of civilization and aspiration. Resources and economy of spending often carry more weight now in shaping design.
During the Great Depression though, the federal government tried to stimulate the economy by funding a variety of buildings and programs. Among them was the post office in the Town of Normal put up through the Works Progress Administration [WPA]. Inside that post office is another salute to the community, to human achievement, and to the importance of beauty in public spaces. It's an oil on canvas artwork.
