'Reconstruction After the Fire'

In 1941 Russian muralist Anton Refregier was commissioned by the US Government to paint a series of murals in the Spear Street Post Office annex in San Francisco. It was part of the Works Progress Administration, one of five New Deal programs that dealt with federal art projects. Regreigier was paid $26,000 for his work, which was completed after the War in 1948.

This is mural 22 in the series that tells the story of California, and its provided description is below.

22. Reconstruction After the Fire: "Immediately after the quake, the national guard and army troops under the command of General Frederick Funston helped San Francisco police and firemen maintain order in the city. In addition, the soldiers prevented looting, helped with temporary housing, food distribution, communications, and sanitation. Soup kitchens and tent cities in the local parks were first signs of reconstruction. Clearing the rubble and rebuilding the city took years."

Part of my trip to Rincon Center. For more on New Deal Post Office murals, check out this website: http://www.parmaconservation.com/newdealpostoffic.html