- Harrison County Courthouse - Bethany MOSometimes misattributed to the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Bethany, Missouri's Harrison County Courthouse and jail was enabled by the provision of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The stately Art Deco project was authorized in an election in 1938 as a bond issue in conjunction with PWA grant. The cornerstone for the building was laid on Aug. 14, 1939; it was placed on the south façade of the building, at the southeast corner. The building was completed and opened in 1940. A humorous story from the courthouse's construction comes from the St. Joseph News-Press: QUESTION OF SPELLING IS ISSUE AT BETHANY BETHANY, Mo., Jan...
- Post Office - Bethany MOThe historic Bethany post office was constructed with Treasury Department funds in 1939. There is an ornate screen above the door and torchieres flanking the entrance.
- Post Office Mural - Bethany MOThe post office contains a Treasury Section of Fine Arts mural entitled "Time Out" painted by Joseph Vorst in 1942. Mural showing a farm family taking a lunch break, with minimal shadows showing that it was noon. The regionalist theme and style are typical of Vorst who was a friend and influenced by both Joe Jones and Thomas Hart Benton. Joseph Vorst was born in Essen, Germany where he studied under Max Liebermann. He immigrated to the United States, probably to escape the Nazis and was involved in Liberal politics and condemnations of the Nazis. He was very successful, particularly 1939-1942.