Dexter Sites

The large gymnasium is standing by itself in a residential part of town, built on donated land that at the time was outside of the town proper. It has been in use since it was built and has been used for athletic events as well as for entertainment events by the community. Photographs were taken in a torrential downpour.

The historic post office in Dexter, Missouri was constructed in 1940 with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which houses an example of New Deal artwork, is still in service.

The post office contains a 1941 Treasury Section of Fine Arts mural by Joe Jones entitled "Husking Corn." This is an excellent mural showing farmers harvesting and husking corn.  The dominant feature is the men working with lots of movement and wearing work clothes.  The corn is important, but could be any commodity.  He is celebrating the workers, very much in keeping with his strong political beliefs. Joe Jones was largely self-taught and won an award in 1931 which enabled him to travel to the artists colony in Provincetown, MA.  He was highly political and after becoming communist, was shunned by many...