Obersvations by George
January 27, 2010
REMEMBERING FEBRUARY 28, 1959
On occasions, I have devoted this column to special events and happenings that have played a major role in the history of our community. I have always felt that it does one good to look back and review our past history. Too oven we take it for granted and never give serious to the important part it plays in our daily lives.
February 28, 2010, marks the 51st anniversary of the Thurmont Post Office building located on Water Street in Thurmont, Maryland. I remember well the day of the dedication. It was on Saturday, February 28, 1959. .
It was just a normal working day for most citizens of Thurmont and business was as usual, with the exception of the local post office. Citizens of Thurmont and the surrounding area had gathered on Water Street around 2:00pm for the dedication of the newly constructed building that would be the new home of the Thurmont Post Office. Excitement was high. It was indeed a gala occasion.
It was around 1811, when the very first post office made its appearance in Mechanicstown (as Thurmont was known in its early days), on West Main Street. Reuben Osler, a tinner, had a small shop in the rear of his house. It was in this shop that the first post office was established, and Mr. Osler served as the postmaster. Records tell us that the post office was so crude that a small cupboard was the only item of furniture. It was divided into sections into which the mail was placed until it was picked up by the citizens for whom it was intended.
The Thurmont Post Office moved its operations several times and when Samuel Birely and Van B. Osler built the Thurmont Bank in 1891, the Thurmont Post Office was moved to the Square where it occupied a room on the West side of the Bank. Several years later the Post Office moved into the Masonic Building on East Main Street. The Thurmont Post Office has served the community well since 1811 and as a result of being overcrowded was forced to move into larger quarters.
The new building on Water Street, built by Carroll Kinsey, President of the Thurmont Construction Company, for the Thurmont Masonic Temple Association, Inc which was the Lessor.
On hand for the dedication that Saturday, February 28, 1959, was Mr. R. E. O’Donovan, Postal Installation Manager of the Washington Region of the United States Postal Service, who was the principal speaker during the ceremonies.
As the guests and officials gathered for the dedication ceremonies, The Thurmont High School Band, under the direction of Calvin Wacker, rendered several instrumental selections which added to the occasion.
The official dedication ceremonies began with the invocation by the Reverend Eugene McVicker, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Lee Munshour, Acting Postmaster, welcomed all the visiting guests and officials and introduced Samuel L. Birely who acted as Master of Ceremonies.
Letters and telegrams addressed to the Acting Postmaster Munshour were read, among which were those of President Eisenhower and Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield. Following the remarks of Thurmont Mayor, Charles R. Ambrose, Mr. O’Donovan delivered the dedicatory address.
In his remarks, Mr. O’Donovan presented some very interesting facts about the size and scope of the U. S. Postal Department. Following his remarks, Carroll Kinsey of Thurmont Construction Co., presented the keys to the building to Ernest P. Hammaker, President of the Thurmont Masonic Temple Association,Inc. Mr. Hammaker in turn presented the keys to Postmaster Munshour.
Mr. O’Donovan presented to Postmaster Munshour, an American flag which formerly flew over the Post Office Department in Washington. Mr. Munshour presented the flag to the Color Guard of the Edwin C. Creeger Jr., Post 168 American Legion, who raised the flag in front of the building, as the audience, assisted by the Thurmont High School Band, sang the National Anthem.
Under the direction of Miss Mildred Trevett, the Thurmont High School Choral Group rendered several vocal selections and the Reverend Lloyd L. Wolf, Rector of the Catoctin Parish pronounced the benediction.
Since that memorable day, 51 years ago, February 28, 1959, The Thurmont Post Office has done a remarkable job in taking care of our postal needs and delivering our mail. They are indeed a dedicated group of employees. Next time you come face to face with any of the local postal employees, wish them a HAPPY 51st ANNIVERSARY.
George W. Wireman
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