The Fullerton Police Station
Artist
Scott FitzGerald
Date1974
MediumPrint
Dimensions8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
ClassificationsPrintmaking
Credit LineGift of Dan and Cathy Thomas
Object number2020.016
DescriptionThe City of Fullerton was justly proud of its new City Hall when it was dedicated in July 1942. Designed by architect G. Stanley Wilson and constructed under the Federal Government Works Projects Administration, the facility boasted a sunken garden, impressive tile and iron work, and the classic arches and town of the early California style of architecture.The “Art of the Depression,” of WPA art, did not bypass Fullerton. Artists Helen Lundeberg and Miriam Farrington were commissioned to design and execute three large panels of murals for the Council Chamber. These murals pictorialized the history of the state from the time of Cabrillo to the present.
The phenomenal growth of Orange County during the 1950s and 1960s resulted in the need for a much larger governing facility for Fullerton, and a new three-story City Hall, located at the northwest corner of Highland and Commonwealth Avenues was completed in 1963. The old City Hall was turned over to the Fullerton Police Department.
Now, work is progressing on the Police Station to expand and update the building. The murals are still there, but unfortunately are not visible…some have been covered over by paint; other portions were concealed when air-conditioning ducts were installed.
However, much of the flavor of the original interior design remains, including metal-studded doors, the red quarry tile floors, and the colorful decorative tile used throughout, and this handsome structure is schedule to see many more years of service.
(February 1974)
Written by the artist, Scott FitzGerald
On View
Not on view
