United States Post Office (Boonville, New York)

The United States Post Office in Boonville, New York, is a historic post office building located at 138 Main Street. It was constructed in 1938 and designed by Louis A. Simon, then Supervising Architect for the Treasury Department. The building is a contributing property to the Boonville Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

Architecturally, the post office exemplifies the standardized yet well-crafted designs typical of New Deal-era public buildings. The building is a one-story brick structure with a symmetrical facade. Notable features include its classical detailing, such as pilasters and a cornice, reflecting the prevalent architectural styles of the period which aimed to project stability and civic pride during the Great Depression.

Inside, the post office historically housed a mural, "Lumbering in the Adirondacks," painted by Arshile Gorky in 1938. This mural was commissioned through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department. These murals were intended to foster a sense of community and showcase local history and culture. The Gorky mural depicts scenes of logging in the Adirondack Mountains, a significant aspect of the region's history and economy. The mural's presence contributed to the building's cultural significance.

Today, the United States Post Office in Boonville continues to operate as a functioning post office, serving the postal needs of the community. It also stands as a reminder of the federal government's investment in public works and the arts during the New Deal era, and its enduring commitment to providing essential services to even smaller communities across the nation.