Postal anniversary cancellation created

GARY SHOWALTER/for the Van Wert independent

For 175 years a post office has existed in Van Wert: since it was first authorized on November 9, 1838.

The post office was first located in a log cabin in the 300 block of East Main Street, across the street from the current post office.

The post office later moved to numerous locations in its early years. In 1862 it was located on the northeast corner of Main and Washington streets. By 1893 the post office was in the building where Thomas Jewelers would be located many years later at 114 S. Washington St.

The post office was also on North Washington Street and then for a period of time in the Humphrey-Hughes-Rump Building on the southeast corner of Market and Main streets at 200 E. Main St. That building is where Derry Drugs was located for many years and where, today, Barnhart’s Furniture Outlet is found.

Other than its present site, however, the only other post office location remembered by anyone alive today is the building located on the northeast corner of Market Street and Central Avenue, now the location of Van Wert Municipal Court.

That building was completed in 1916, having been built as the new location of the post office, and remained there for 68 years until 1984, when the present United States Post Office building was dedicated in the block of East Main Street between Cherry and Walnut streets, at 314 E. Main St. That building is now 29 years old.

In recognition of the postal anniversary, the U.S. Postal Service is offering a special hand cancellation to commemorate the event. This special postmark, available until Monday, December 9, bears the date of November 9, 2013. Hand-back service is available at the post office counter to anyone who presents a postal card, postcard or envelope with first class postage applied. An address is not required on the envelope for hand-back service. With an address the item may be mailed after receiving the special postmark.

This is an opportunity to send a card or letter to a young family member or relative who has not grown up with the post office being the primary method of communication. Pick out a commemorative stamp and have the special cancellation applied to the mailing.

Obtaining the cancellation is also a great way to remember the history of the post office, as well as a historically good way to say hello to a friend or family member!