The vicar and the publican might claim their establishments as the heart of the village but I say it was the post office. In a rural area the post office was where people met. Much news was exchanged verbally in addition to the mail. Posters on the wall announced auctions, socials, and lost dogs. Government notices reminded us of the rules for transporting livestock, hunting seasons and healthy living. Letters contained untold stories and postcards gave hints of an exotic world beyond our small home.
Post offices being dear to heart I was saddened to hear of yet another one facing closure. This time in the hamlet of Rupert, Vermont. Fortunately the owner is a creative soul and has launched a plan to save her post office. Jane Davies, the owner is asking us to mail postcards to her, thus increasing the mail count on which the U.S. postal service bases its operational needs.
 |
| Post Office, Rupert, Vermont |
The sending and receiving of mail is a pleasure that has dimmed in this age of hi tech gadgets. Two sites which have thoughtful posts on the joy of snail mail:
Spread some joy, send someone a postcard. It would be a beautiful thing to do.
Oh I am so up for this! I think the act of sending mail is wonderful!! I so enjoy getting a letter in the mail vs. getting an email. I can only hope that the US postal system remains in tact...thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy children loved getting mail from their grandmother. She always did a good job with cute stickers and/or fun cards.
DeleteWhat a quaint little post office. I hope it can be saved.
ReplyDeleteIf it is a social hub for the community I think the locals will find a way.
DeleteIn five years I wonder where we'll be. Things sure are changing.
ReplyDeleteSherry
Change is part of life but we seem to be losing the social aspect of our lives. Facebook and texting doesn't count!
DeleteHi Susan! I love your post on the "post"! It is so true and I share your passion for the post office. They are such a throw back to an easier time. I never tire of driving thru small towns and visiting their post office. Just the scent when you cross the thresh hold! I am planning to complete post this evening about being the winner of the tools. Still sad I can't show them in action! or can I ...hmmm, I'll email you when its posted. huggs, Dianna
ReplyDeleteHuggs, Dianna.
DeleteI hate that they are closing so many rural post offices. So many people rely on them and they are an important part of our history.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura
Seniors rely on local stores and post offices in particular.
DeleteI find that generally speaking most people take a written letter much more seriously than an email.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much more to a letter. The texture and design, the smell, the site of a loved one's handwriting.
DeleteAlthough I love getting cards and letters in the mail, there is no denying the fact that the things and institutions that we thought would always be here, have been replaced by the rapid technologies that have evolved.
ReplyDeleteI hope there is a place for both technology and older traditions.
DeleteI love your ideas about sending postcards. Soon we'll have our Saturday mail discontinued and it's sad to hear that small post offices will be closed. This was a thoughtful post. I'm still making the rounds from the Grow Your Blog party. Nice to "meet" you here. I'm your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteSandy :)
Our town post office will be closing on Saturdays henceforth. I fear it is the beginning of the demise of the MAIL as we know it!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is usually the way it starts.
DeleteI LOVE this post. I will click on the link and do my part. Although I'm a huge supporter of new-century technology (and a lover of trees!), I hate to see postal workers lose their jobs over the financial plight of the Postal Service. Hopefully a revamping of the system will keep it alive.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of this Vermont post office is adorable. And you're right. I hadn't thought of it but in days of old, it really was the hub of the town wasn't it? (I remember those Little House on the Prairie episodes.)
Perhaps we could have teleporters in our homes through which to send written notes and parcels.
DeleteI'm on vacation and have been meaning to send a couple postcards, but just haven't gotten around to it. Must do that! Funny, we were talking to a local guy here in Bisbee, and they don't deliver mail here; everyone has a PO box at the post office. He said you often set aside time to pick up mail since you run into friends/neighbors and get to talking. : )
ReplyDelete