New Pics – Mailboxes of Gold Canyon

There are quite a few Lonesome Rose ranches out there. This one belongs to Gusto. When you're the proprietor of such a ranch, you need a mailbox that is worthy of such eponymy, replete with compelling details and symbolism.

We're not just fond of wagon wheels; we're fond of wagon rims and axles too! What could be easier than using one as a perch for a mailbox? What could show more homespun elegance?

Like a well-crafted sundae, cinderblock mailboxes lend themselves well to toppings and other garnishes. The cherry on top of this particular construction is Japanese-inspired lighting reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.

It's all about the details. And in the case of this mailbox, the details include a saguaro, a prickly pear cactus, and a roadrunner.

If you see a mailbox that looks like this, then you can be certain that you're in Gold Canyon East HOA territory. The Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design is replicated throughout the development. Strangely, not all the mailboxes light up at night (we're told it was an optional extra for the original home-owners). Nonetheless, the richly rusted metal patina ensures that all these mailboxes have their scintillating moments in the sun.

This is the only aircraft-themed mailbox we found on our surveys. And that's kinda surprising. We may not be Roswell, but we expected to find at least one UFO—particularly given all the fine stargazing in these parts. We took special care to angle the camera upward so that the ship appears mostly in its preferred element. We just hope that the pilot of this mailplane is more considerate of Gold Canyon residents than those from the <a href=

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Perhaps, like Darwin's finches, the mailboxes that reside on this side of the island have stronger beaks for cracking open the larger nuts.

Why would anyone put a mailbox on a pole when you can put it on a wagon wheel instead? Seriously, is there anything not improved by the addition of a wagon wheel?

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. This one has buttresses to give it a more anchored look.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. This one is also thoroughly integrated into a stone wall, with extra stones on top just in case.

This mailbox is damaged, and once had a saguaro rib facade. Nonetheless, this deconstructed version provides fascinating technical insight into its assembly.

This is the only squirrel-themed mailbox we found on our surveys. But it's the stonework here that really impresses. The cap could have easily been cinderblocks and stucco. But they went that extra mile and it shows.

This is the only squirrel-themed mailbox we found on our surveys. But it's the stonework here that really impresses. The cap could have easily been cinderblocks and stucco. But they went that extra mile and it shows.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. This one has a chiral buttress.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Mighty neighborly of these residents to be sharing like that.

Here in the high country, folks share with one another. Whether it's roads or views or even piles of rock, it's all downright neighborly.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Perhaps, like Darwin's finches, the mailboxes that reside on this side of the island have stronger beaks for cracking open the larger nuts.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Perhaps, like Darwin's finches, the mailboxes that reside on this side of the island have stronger beaks for cracking open the larger nuts.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Perhaps, like Darwin's finches, the mailboxes that reside on this side of the island have stronger beaks for cracking open the larger nuts.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Perhaps, like Darwin's finches, the mailboxes that reside on this side of the island have stronger beaks for cracking open the larger nuts.

Folks in the Cloudview area like their mailboxes clad in stone. Perhaps, like Darwin's finches, the mailboxes that reside on this side of the island have stronger beaks for cracking open the larger nuts.

We nearly drove into a cactus taking in all the authentic details of this power pole mailbox. It's literally a slice of electrical infrastructure (and, figuratively, a slice of history). With its original signage, transformer, and glass insulators, this could easily be at home in a museum (minus the mailbox, of course). We imagine cats around the community practice climbing this before they move on to getting stuck atop power poles in active usage.

We nearly drove into a cactus taking in all the authentic details of this power pole mailbox. It's literally a slice of electrical infrastructure (and, figuratively, a slice of history). With its original signage, transformer, and glass insulators, this could easily be at home in a museum (minus the mailbox, of course). We imagine cats around the community practice climbing this before they move on to getting stuck atop power poles in active usage.

We nearly drove into a cactus taking in all the authentic details of this power pole mailbox. It's literally a slice of electrical infrastructure (and, figuratively, a slice of history). With its original signage, transformer, and glass insulators, this could easily be at home in a museum (minus the mailbox, of course). We imagine cats around the community practice climbing this before they move on to getting stuck atop power poles in active usage.

While Route 66 is well north of us, this mailbox proves that the historic highway is not just a route but a state of mind.

While Route 66 is well north of us, this mailbox proves that the historic highway is not just a route but a state of mind.

While Route 66 is well north of us, this mailbox proves that the historic highway is not just a route but a state of mind.

While Route 66 is well north of us, this mailbox proves that the historic highway is not just a route but a state of mind.

We've seen our fair share of cactus-themed mailboxes. This one has a Route 66 feel to it.

Well-coiffed and richly ornamented in meticulous stone tiling, clearly no expense was spared making this mailbox a standout. But it does seem out of place on the gulchy gravel driveway, like a desert rose that got all dressed up for the prom, complete with red reflector corsages, waiting for her ride outa here.

This is a stone mailbox that clearly wants to get back to the land. We love the extra rustic look.

This is one of the few (obvious) native-American-themed mailboxes we found on our surveys (we don't count Kokopelli). We don't think the native Americans indigenous to the area actually used totem poles, but as a piece of Americana it totally works.

This is one of the few (obvious) native-American-themed mailboxes we found on our surveys (we don't count Kokopelli). We don't think the native Americans indigenous to the area actually used totem poles, but as a piece of Americana it totally works.

This isn't a mailbox with sculptural elements; this is a sculpture that just happens to be a mailbox. Playful, dreamlike, surreal, Daliesque.

This isn't a mailbox with sculptural elements; this is a sculpture that just happens to be a mailbox. Playful, dreamlike, surreal, Daliesque.

This isn't a mailbox with sculptural elements; this is a sculpture that just happens to be a mailbox. Playful, dreamlike, surreal, Daliesque.

The United States Post Office (USPS) devotes an entire section of their bible—the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)—to standards governing <a href=

The car in the driveway is not why this mailbox is featured. The car on the mailbox is.

It's a mailbox on a log. But—oh—what a log!

Reminiscent of the hills and mountains that make up Gold Canyon, this mélange of rocks will thrill future archeologists as they penetrate through the various strata in search of clues to the site's purpose.

The addition of a saguaro facade transforms what would otherwise be a Home Depot special into a memorable addition to the postal community.

What captured our eye here is not the mailbox itself but its placement. As our friend and realtor, Lori Blank, is fond of saying: location, location, location. The long meandering rock wall deftly integrates what would otherwise be glaring opposites: the cold steel angular look of machined modernity with the tranquil rural mountain views behind.

Like a wildflower wilting in the desert heat, this mailbox is in desperate need of attention. Still, there's potential here. Little mailbox; big dreams. The artist clearly wants to deviate, and made a sort of rough first sketch. We await future refinements.

Crème de la crème, blue ribbon, winner winner chicken dinner—regardless of the terminology, this mailbox is the gold standard by which all others are measured. Nothing tugs at our rural heartstrings like rail-related sculpture. The miner and dynamite seem almost gratuitous, yet complete the mining mythology of this masterwork.

Crème de la crème, blue ribbon, winner winner chicken dinner—regardless of the terminology, this mailbox is the gold standard by which all others are measured. Nothing tugs at our rural heartstrings like rail-related sculpture. The miner and dynamite seem almost gratuitous, yet complete the mining mythology of this masterwork.

Crème de la crème, blue ribbon, winner winner chicken dinner—regardless of the terminology, this mailbox is the gold standard by which all others are measured. Nothing tugs at our rural heartstrings like rail-related sculpture. The miner and dynamite seem almost gratuitous, yet complete the mining mythology of this masterwork.

Reminiscent of ziggurats and Aztec/Mayan pyramids, this mailbox is a temple to the postal gods. Come, let us pray...

This mailbox is one of many that fall within the rather dull and prosaic cinderblock construction category. However, its

Clearly an industrial design, yet softened by the use of wood planks symbolizing the surrounding mountains. One thing we would do to improve the design would be to move the partially hidden mailbox flag to the outside. Just a thought.

The invention of the <a href=

This is the only desert-tortoise-themed mailbox we found on our surveys.

The shapes are reminiscent of mountains, or perhaps our declining stock portfolios. Regardless, the steel square tubing that comprises many of our fencelines is transformed here into something that feeds the mind. Think Gödel. Think Escher. Think Bach. A gateway to the deeper mathematical structures that underline our universe.

It's common to see mailboxes that take their design cues from the homes they represent. This one does it exceptionally well.

What is it about the flute-paying Kokopelli that has made it such a permanent fixture of southwestern desert Americana? Regardless, it's the creative use of fencing materials that caught our attention here.

Nothing adds a bit of aristocratic class to a cinderblock mailbox quite like the addition of a lion ornament. Now if only it was the right kind of lion. A mountain lion...

This is one of the few (obvious) native-American-themed mailboxes we found on our surveys (we don't count Kokopelli). The creative use of fencing material allows the ornaments to seemingly float in air, lending a spiritual quality.

Proof positive that cinderblock construction provides ample opportunity for creative embellishments. This is the only sports-themed mailbox we found on our surveys.

Another horseshoe-themed mailbox. But this one stands out with its horseshoe house-number holders.

Edgy and elegant. This brutally minimalisic coldly utilitarian design nonetheless manages to symbolize our sacred saguaro, and thus blends in with its rural surroundings.

Concrete-block construction doesn't usually merit any comments, but we enjoyed this one's asymmetric postmodern pediment reminiscent of Conan O'Brien's coiffure.

While the rusting box proper has seen better days, it's the anchor that caught our attention. We enjoy consuming a tall refreshing glass of dairy while taking in the charms of this particular piece.

While this is one of many suaguaro-themed mailboxes, what caught our eye here is the clever placement of the box proper, pierced and anchored by the spine of the cactus, and resting upon its brachium parte minor.

There's something vaguely religious about this ponderous structure. We particularly like the tiny archway detail at the top, which accents the mailbox arch below it. Difficult to classify but still very compelling.

With just a bit of saguaro-inspired effort, this cinderblock mailbox has carved out a bit of identity.

This is perhaps the only nautical-themed mailbox we found on our surveys—a perfect anatopism for the desert southwest.

Sometimes a simple decorative element can dramatically improve an otherwise forgettable mailbox. Sure, they could have planted the real thing in that spot, but that would have just been putting lipstick on a pig.

Sometimes a simple decorative element can dramatically improve an otherwise forgettable mailbox. Sure, they could have planted the real thing in that spot, but that would have just been putting lipstick on a pig.

When we see this mailbox, we just want to slide in our pizza and bake it at 550 degrees until it's golden brown and delicious. Pavers offer a nice contrast to what would otherwise be street after street of cinderblocks.

We love cactus. We love horseshoes. We love cactus made from horseshoes. We love this mailbox.

The addition of some ceramics and an ornate lantern makes this otherwise drab cinderblock affair stand out.

One of the few (obvious) cowboy-themed mailboxes that actually include a cowboy and a horse (and not simply horseshoes). We love the subtle curve of the rustic metal cut-out, with its generous open areas creating an almost dioramic feel.

Dogs have always been associated with the trials and tribulations of rural mail delivery. Simple yet memorable.

If you're going to erect a mailbox on a pole and call it a day, at least make it an interesting postmodern one. This mailbox offers carriers two ways in which to feed it.

While it's likely cinderblocks beneath, this mailbox is anything but ordinary. There's a story here and we would love to know what it is.

The sloppy stucco reminds us of frosting on a chocolate cake. But it's that light fixture that really stands out.

Often the first step toward accessorizing your cinderblock-constructed mailbox is to add an ornament on top. But the ornament in this case is not merely ornamental. This is the best mailbox to be near if you lose your way.

Often the first step toward accessorizing your cinderblock-constructed mailbox is to add an ornament on top. Sometimes it's a lion, sometimes a turtle, sometimes a weather vane, and sometimes a water pump.

While Kokopelli and his lizard friends are front and center, the real star of this piece is the dead saguaro, arranged such that its ribs appear to support and anchor the structure.

This cinderblock construction is a standout. The integrated agaves, the soft rounded edges and rounded inlaid elements, the subtle use of tiling, all combine to produce something memorable.

This mailbox sculpture is so intricate with so many compelling details that no one or two or even three photos can do it justice. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself, which appears to be forged from slabs of metal. If a mailbox is a window into the soul of a home, then this home is full of skill, artistry, vision, and passion. The mail carriers must get a special thrill every time they open the hatch to put something inside.

This mailbox sculpture is so intricate with so many compelling details that no one or two or even three photos can do it justice. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself, which appears to be forged from slabs of metal. If a mailbox is a window into the soul of a home, then this home is full of skill, artistry, vision, and passion. The mail carriers must get a special thrill every time they open the hatch to put something inside.

This mailbox sculpture is so intricate with so many compelling details that no one or two or even three photos can do it justice. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself, which appears to be forged from slabs of metal. If a mailbox is a window into the soul of a home, then this home is full of skill, artistry, vision, and passion. The mail carriers must get a special thrill every time they open the hatch to put something inside.

This mailbox sculpture is so intricate with so many compelling details that no one or two or even three photos can do it justice. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself, which appears to be forged from slabs of metal. If a mailbox is a window into the soul of a home, then this home is full of skill, artistry, vision, and passion. The mail carriers must get a special thrill every time they open the hatch to put something inside.

This mailbox sculpture is so intricate with so many compelling details that no one or two or even three photos can do it justice. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself, which appears to be forged from slabs of metal. If a mailbox is a window into the soul of a home, then this home is full of skill, artistry, vision, and passion. The mail carriers must get a special thrill every time they open the hatch to put something inside.

This mailbox sculpture is so intricate with so many compelling details that no one or two or even three photos can do it justice. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself, which appears to be forged from slabs of metal. If a mailbox is a window into the soul of a home, then this home is full of skill, artistry, vision, and passion. The mail carriers must get a special thrill every time they open the hatch to put something inside.

Mailbox == boring. Mailbox + wagon wheel == instant Americana. The only issue here is that the mailbox itself is a bit too modern and anachronistic juxtaposed with the old-timey wheel. But, heck, what do we know? Maybe that was the designer's intention.

Pavers are always a refreshing change from the usual cinderblocks and stucco. In this case, we have a touch of Frank Lloyd Wright. We especially like that the base is also constructed from pavers. It could have very easily been poured concrete, which just wouldn't have been the same at all.

We love saguaro. We love horseshoes. We love saguaro made from horseshoes. We love this mailbox.

By using glass blocks on all four sides, light can stream in and change throughout the day, creating a sense of dynamicism.

This creation combines a mailbox with a retaining wall and throws in some pictographs as well. We particularly like the dedicated package alcove.

This creation combines a mailbox with a retaining wall and throws in some pictographs as well. We particularly like the dedicated package alcove.

The brick facade matches the driveway pavers and is a pleasant diversion from the usual cinderblocks and stucco. The buttress appears to anchor the structure to the ground and lends an air of permanence.

There's something strongly reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright in this design, and that's not a bad thing at all. It's also one of the few mailboxes we've seen on our surveys that's entirely custom built, right down to the mailbox proper itself. You could erect this guy just about anywhere in the desert southwest and it's going to fit in like it's always been there. As with all things Frank Lloyd Wrightish, there's something both ancient and futuristic about the design, which is to say, timeless.

One of our favorites. It's not merely the concept but the execution. Note how the bike is mounted. Note the wire basket for things like newspapers and circulars. It just works on so many levels.