LB2007.1.109650

LB2007.1.109650

Belfast, Maine The triangular plot of land bordered by Main Street and Franklin Street was purchased between 1856 and 1857 for the Post Office and Custom House for $5600.00 and construction of the Post Office and Customs House was begun with funds appropriated by the U. S. Congress. The cost of construction was $30,983.26.The building was designed by architect Ammi B. Young of Washington, D.C. and built by Belfast contractor Isaac Allard. It was occupied in 1857, the post office occupying the first floor and the customs office on the second floor. An addition to the rear of the building was completed in 1887 at a cost of nearly $15,000.00. The building was provided with steam heat. An addition to the rear of the building, including the round section at the left rear, was constructed in 1909. The addition may have resulted from increased space required with the advent of Rural Free Delivery in July of 1901. RFD: In 1890, nearly 41 million people - 65 percent of the American population - lived in rural areas. Although many city dwellers had enjoyed free home delivery since 1863, rural citizens had to pick up their mail at the Post Office, leading one farmer to ask: "Why should the cities have fancy mail service and the old colonial system still prevail in the country districts?" John Wanamaker, who served as Postmaster General from 1889 to 1893, was a merchant who became one of the most innovative and energetic people ever to lead the Post Office Department. He thought it made more sense for one person to deliver mail than for 50 people to ride into town to collect their mail. He cited business logic and social philosophy as reasons to give rural dwellers free delivery. Businesses could expand their markets. Rural customers paid the same postage rates as city people. Rural people needed the important information provided by newspapers yet did not always have time to walk or ride to the Post Office. Young people might stay on the farm if correspondence and magazines eased their isolation. Note: Judging by the vehicles, this photo dates to the 1920s. Also note that the left and right entrance doorways have been replaced by windows.