Maricopa Historical Society received this original painting from the Cole family through the Maricopa Public Library. The painting (ca. 1972) was on display in the post office when Fred Cole was postmaster. Harold Williams entered and won a U.S. Post Office regional art contest that depicted the history of the postal service. Williams, a self-taught artist, chose to paint old Maricopa during its railroad era. His painting was displayed in various post offices around the state and ended up in Maricopa.  He lived a very simple life in the community of Mobile and had the use of only one hand – which didn’t limit his talent or aspirations.

Courtesy of Maricopa Historical Society


This item appears in the February issue of InMaricopa.