Eleanor Mahoney

Eleanor Mahoney is a PhD Candidate in United States History. Her dissertation examines the connections between economic change and environmental policy in the period after World War II. She has also researched Depression-era art and politics in Washington State.

Eleanor’s Commentary: “I first came across the incredible work of Richard V. Correll while reviewing issues of the Voice of Action, a radical newspaper published in 1930s Seattle. Cornell's stunning and at-times provocative wood block cartoons vividly captured the spirit of the paper and I found myself returning to them during my research. I encountered Correll's work a second time while writing a history of New Deal art programs in Washington State. Correll participated in the Federal Art Program for three years, completing a mural project, linoleum and wood block prints, lithographs, etchings and more. Particularly striking were a series of prints based on Paul Bunyan, an iconic Northwest folk figure. I have selected two works from this series, "Clearing Tacoma Flats, 1938" and "Creation of San Juan Islands, 1938" to showcase as I believe they vividly capture not only Correll's unique style, but also the ethos of much public art created in the 1930s.
TheLaborArchivesofWashingtonaccessionedmuchofCorrell'sworkatroughlythesametimeIwascompletingmyresearch.LaborArchivesstaffnotonlysupportedmywork,butalsoarrangedformetomeetCorrell'sdaughterLeslie,anincredibleopportunitytolearnmoreabouthislifeandart.Additionally,Ipresentedatthe2013SeattleFolklifeFestivalwiththesupportofLaborArchivistConorCasey,awonderfulexperience.”

Eleanor’s Commentary:

“I first came across the incredible work of Richard V. Correll while reviewing issues of the Voice of Action, a radical newspaper published in 1930s Seattle. Cornell's stunning and at-times provocative wood block cartoons vividly captured the spirit of the paper and I found myself returning to them during my research. I encountered Correll's work a second time while writing a history of New Deal art programs in Washington State. Correll participated in the Federal Art Program for three years, completing a mural project, linoleum and wood block prints, lithographs, etchings and more. Particularly striking were a series of prints based on Paul Bunyan, an iconic Northwest folk figure. I have selected two works from this series, "Clearing Tacoma Flats, 1938" and "Creation of San Juan Islands, 1938" to showcase as I believe they vividly capture not only Correll's unique style, but also the ethos of much public art created in the 1930s.

The Labor Archives of Washington accessioned much of Correll's work at roughly the same time I was completing my research. Labor Archives staff not only supported my work, but also arranged for me to meet Correll's daughter Leslie, an incredible opportunity to learn more about his life and art. Additionally, I presented at the 2013 Seattle Folklife Festival with the support of Labor Archivist Conor Casey, a wonderful experience.”