Page:Brunswick 100 Years of Memories.pdf/172

CHAPTER 11

Media and Other Communications BRUNSWICK POST OFFICE During Brunswick's first 65 years the location and building of its post offices were determined by the political slant of a hopeful property owner. Contracts were signed, leasing rooms or buildings. The government would equip the facility and the Post Office Department was in business. This helps explain the many changes in location of the town's postal buildings. Brunswick's present post office was built in 1958 under reformed conditions. The United States Postal Service selected a building lot and built the structure. The Brunswick History Commission's list of locations results from continuous inquiry and information in the local museum. The Barry Post Office was established in 1832. No one is certain why "Barry" was chosen; Volume A of America's Educator Encyclopedia, p. 347, states that R.R. John Barry (1745-1803) became rich as a shipbuilder. He was the first American officer to capture an English ship (1776-?). He built a strong American navy. Austin Cooper's grandmother used to tell the same story, including the belief that Barry was named for him.

Fifth) In a storeroom where Frank Kelly, Jim Rau, and Sam Cincotta had a business; west side of present location of Good Will (17 W. Potomac). Sixth) In the old Bank of Brunswick building on the Square Corner, possibly the second decade of the century, between the closing of the Savings Bank and the opening of the Bank of Brunswick. Lenwood Moss reported the bank location and Sherman Lowry verified it and even suggested the period. Seventh) Red Men's Hall, 44 West Potomac Street, comer of Museum building. Eighth) Smith Building, now Commuter Lounge, formerly Kehne's Paddock Grill (12 S. Maple). Ninth) Potomac Hotel, East Potomac Street where Gas and Go is now located. (1942) Tenth) Present location 315 Brunswick Street, U. S. Government owned; dedicated October 11, 1958. The picture of the dedication ceremonies shows a large turnout. Richard C. Bowers was chairman of the program. Congressman DeWitt Hyde spoke, and Mrs. Mary Payne led the national anthem. The Lions Club presented the planter and Postmastesr Arthur Hightman provided other shrubbery.

LOCATIONS

POSTMASTERS

First) South just across the present westbound tracks on the west side of First Street (later Virginia Avenue). Shown in Titus' Atlas of 1873 is a rather large building that houses also the railroad depot and a store. Second) 1900, One East Potomac Street in Martha Shilling Darr Callary's building. A post card exists with the bold letters POST OFFICE above the entrance. Third) In comer of Gross House, 15 South Maryland A venue Fourth) In brick building across from Gross' store on South Maryland Avenue, on lot where the freight office was located (along railroad).

The first postmaster of Berlin was John T. Frazier, appointed April 26, 1832. The name changed to Brunswick Post Office April 8, 1890, when the town incorporated. The facility was advanced from Fourth Class to Third Class on October 1, 1900, and became Second Class on July 1, 1924, a designation it retains. Lenwood Moss (July 1961) was the last politically-appointed Postmaster. On July 13, 1973, Jerry Pearrell became the first merit-appointed Postmaster. Among the early postmasters listed are such familiar names as C. F. Wenner, Hebbs, Garrott, Sigafoose, Short, Porter, and Spitzer, A. R. and F. L. Anyone interested in post office records should

149