Post Office and Federal Building
Columbia College’s Federal Hall at 608 East Cherry Street was originally constructed as a New Deal post office building in 1935-36. After the post office was moved to Walnut Street in the 1960s, the building became the Columbia Federal Building, which housed federal and governmental offices. The structure remained the Federal Building until the YouZeum secured it in 2003. Federal funding was granted to the YouZeum in 2005, according to the Columbia Daily Tribune.
The State Historical Society of Missouri, Post Card Collection, P0032
Following a decade of planning and fundraising, the YouZeum opened its doors in 2008. The $8.5 million project did not meet expectations. Although it was predicted to attract about 60,000 visitors per year, it only averaged 18,000. The YouZeum closed in October 2010, with a total income for that year of about $250,000. After one failed bid, Columbia College acquired the 30,000-square-foot building that same year.
Images from Living New Deal website, National Archives, Central Plains Region Murals, Kansas City, MO
When it was a post office, the magnificent lobby of the building was home to two New Deal murals painted by Edward Buk Ulreich in 1937: “Indians Watching Stagecoach in the Distance” and “Pony Express.” Ulreich was paid $1,580 for his murals, commissioned by the Department of the Treasury’s Section of Painting and Sculpture. The murals were relocated to other locations over the time that the building was renovated to be the Federal Building. “Pony Express” was eventually moved to the City Council chambers. “Indians Watching Stagecoach in the Distance” was initially stored in a barn. It was subsequently placed at the entrance to the Federal Building. Now, both murals are in the National Archives at Kansas City, dedicated May 2010.
Sources:
Como Magazine, 27 February 2014, “608 E. Cherry St.”
Living New Deal website, “Federal Hall (Old Post Office) – Columbia MO”
Various posts on the website “You know you’re from Columbia when…”
CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. Preserving historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by volunteering, signing up for our mailing list, attending an event, becoming a member, or donating.
