History of Westminster's post office not exactly a dead letter

An old newspaper clipping from Aug. 24, 1934, described the construction of the "new" Westminster Post Office.

No, not the building at 345 Woodward Road, but the one that was in downtown Westminster at 83 E. Main St., up until Oct. 9, 1998.

The Woodward Road location might actually be the fourth location of the Westminster Post. However, as you will soon learn, researching the history of the post office in Westminster quickly reveals the study of history as a cacophony of calamities, catastrophes, conflicts and contradictory information.

Before the 83 E. Main St. location, the post office was at 41 E. Main St., at the corner of Locust Lane (where Pomeroy Jewelers is now). Although, one cite refers to the address as "39-41 E. Main St."

The 1934 newspaper article says, "The building in which the post office has been located was erected in 1909 by the late Joseph B. Boyle."

However, an old picture caption in my files says, "Earl Simpson and Carberg Boyle stand in front of the new post office being built … at 41 E. Main St. in 1909."

"Previous to this the post office was in the building now occupied by T. W. Mather & Sons men's department."

Wait a minute. Isn't that where the 1876 firehouse was located?

As far as the corner of Longwell Avenue and Main Street, one old photo shows a large, stately brownstone building, noting, "The B.F. Shriver building at 81 East Main St., Westminster is shown around 1900. … (It) was torn down in 1931 for the post office."

Another picture in my files shows the same picture identified as "Wm. B. Thomas and Son Bankers and Brokers, 83 E. Main St. … Established 1867."

Oh, bother.

Regardless, the picture shows Main Street as a dirt road. This gives me an opportunity to share an answer to a recent reader question, "When was Main Street paved?"

I was proud. I thought I knew the answer — 1923. But I'd better double-check it. I promptly found an historic cite which said, "The Street wasn't paved until 1910."

What? I remember learning as a child that Main Street was paved in 1923 because, as the rest of the story goes, within years (around 1934), it got dug up to install the city sewer system.

To be certain, some of the confusion can be described as quibbling over details. Which reminds me of a quote I learned from a wise elderly historian, "History is the inaccurate recitation of events that ought not to have happened in the first place."

Or better yet, my college botany professor displayed proudly on his door, "I know you believe what you understand what you think I said, but I am sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."

Next week, more on the building of the post office in the early 1930s. I think, well, maybe.

When he's not confused, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com.