There is a building in Johnson City that most residents use at least once a week but not all know that it is a national treasure: the U. S. Post Office. It was designed by O’Neil Ford, the legendary founder of the eminent Ford, Powell & Carson architectural firm in San Antonio. They also designed San Antonio’s iconic HemisFair tower, as well as the Trinity University campus buildings. Ford also designed many residencies, including one just south of Johnson City.
President Lyndon B. Johnson - a personal friend of Ford - secured funding for these Federal offices in the late 1960s through the Presidential Transaction Act. Ford’s lead architect on the project was Bruce Sasse, who is now retired and living in the Hill Country.
Located across the street from L.B..J.’s childhood home, the building contains all the famous features of a classic, O’Neil Ford work: modernist design that includes native Texas materials, such as: cedar, beamed ceilings and brick floors, hand-carved wooden doors and punched-metal light fixtures by Ford’s brother Lynn, ceramic light fixtures designed by Martha Mood and fabricated by Beaumont Mood. Locals have enjoyed the beauty of the architecture and its special features, but how many of us know that we are utilizing a building that is historically significant?
The building also has several local connections. Johnson City resident Louis Hoffman knew Ford and has stayed in touch with his family. Hoffman has also photographed much of the architect’s work. Local artist Kathleen Marie Wilson apprenticed in woodcarving metalworking with Denise Kocourek in Lynn Ford’s studio. Artist Deborah Mersky once operated her studio in the building. This author taught about Ford’s architecture in U. T-Austin’s School of Architecture. Other local residents involved with the building are still being discovered, such as families of those involved in its construction. Area residents are invited to submit any memories about the Post Office to Postmaster Rhonda Kelly.
The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park—led by its Superintendent Susanne McDonald--and the Johnson City U. S. Post Office—led by Postmaster Kelly—are organizing a rededication event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the building’s creation. To be held at the Post Office on Saturday, October 26th, at 2:00 PM, the occasion will feature keynote speaker Kathryn E. O’Rouke, editor of the just-published book O’Neil Ford on Architecture.
Also in attendance at the celebration will be members of the Ford family, representatives of the Ford, Powell & Carson firm, as well as other people historically involved with the building. The P.O. will display some of the original construction drawings of the building. LBJ H.S. students will be creating sketches and illustrations of the building that will be displayed in connection with the event. The Park’s Volunteer Community Ambassador Cheyenne Dolin is working to coordinate such community involvements. The event is open to the public. It will be a good opportunity for local residents to honor an important town treasure.
Upcoming event: Commemoration of the Johnson City U. S. Federal Building and Post Office, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2:00 PM, open to the public.
