Rye Post Office

The Rye Post Office was built between 1935-6 and was designed by architect Louis A. Simon, who was also the supervising architect of the Treasury Department. Similar to most buildings designed by Simon including other post offices, the building is in the style of Colonial Revival, which was popular in the early 20^th century. The structure is one story and is composed of red brick with limestone detailing. The interior is simply decorated with marble walls and ornamental wood molding that covers the perimeter of the L-shaped lobby. The lobby encompasses the majority of the building, with the postmaster’s office and workroom taking up the rest of the space.

The details that show its Colonial inspiration include balanced fenestration, multi-paned window sash and transom, pilasters, and low relief stone panels of bald eagles. Some notable Greek Revival features in the building include its limestone detailing along the façade – which gives it a temple-like quality – as well as geometric designs on the doors and stone window panels.

One of the more important aspects of the post office is its well-preserved mural, painted in 1938 by Brooklyn artist Guy Pene du Bois. The mural, titled “John Jay at His Home,” depicts the former Chief Justice and his family at their home in Rye. The purpose of the murals commissioned during the Depression Era were to show views of contemporary life and local history.

1. Burke, W. J. and Howe, Will D. American Authors and Books, 1640-1940. New York: Charles Scribner's, 1941.
2. National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records. “New York MPS US Post Office – Rye,” May 11, 1989. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75315473.
3. Young, William, Dictionary of American Artists, Sculptors and Engravers. Cambridge, Mass.: William Young and Co., 1968.