Old United States Post Office (Philadelphia, Mississippi)

Old U.S. Post Office
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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Location	523 Main Street, Philadelphia, Mississippi
Coordinates	32°46′14″N 89°6′32″W / 32.77056°N 89.10889°W / 32.77056; -89.10889
Area	less than one acre
Built	1935 (1935)
Built by	Works Progress Administration
Architect	Neal A. Melick
Architectural style	Classical Revival with Mediterranean influence
NRHP reference No.	95000788[1]
Added to NRHP	June 30, 1995

The Old U.S. Post Office in Philadelphia, Mississippi was constructed between 1935 and 1936 as part of the U.S. federal government's New Deal programs, specifically under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This building is a prominent example of Classical Revival architecture with Mediterranean influences and is one of 32 federal post offices built in Mississippi during the Great Depression.^[2]

The Old U.S. Post Office was built during a time of significant economic hardship in the United States, as part of the New Deal initiatives led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The construction of the post office was funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a key agency responsible for providing jobs and supporting public infrastructure projects during the Great Depression. The building was completed in 1936 and has since played an important role in the community.^[3]

Designed by Neal A. Melick, a supervising engineer under the Office of the Supervising Architect, the Old U.S. Post Office is an example of Classical Revival architecture with Mediterranean influences. The building is rectangular in shape, with a flat roof hidden by a parapet. The exterior is primarily stucco with exposed brick detailing. Notable features include the use of nonstructural brick arches, a fanlight above the entrance, and a variety of window designs, including twelve-over-twelve, double-hung sash windows.^[4]

The interior originally included an L-shaped public lobby and a mezzanine level used for postal operations. The building's architectural integrity has been well preserved, even after its conversion to a police station.^[5]

The Old U.S. Post Office is significant for its association with the New Deal era and its role in the federal government's efforts to combat the economic challenges of the Great Depression. It is one of 32 post offices built in Mississippi during this time and serves as a key example of the architectural and historical impact of New Deal projects in rural America.^[6]

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1995, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.^[7]

Today, the building serves as the Philadelphia Police Station. Despite this change in function, much of the original architectural detail remains intact, making it a well-preserved example of mid-20th century public architecture.^[8]

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