La Plata Post Office
The first Post Office in LaPlata, Missouri was established February 26, 1856 with Theodore Sanders as its first postmaster. Mail was brought in on horseback once a, week from Newburg, from a stage coach line which ran north and south, the receipts of the office the first year was $22.50, and the postmaster received $18.50 salary.
The post office has been conducted in various locations and receipts grew until it was made an office of the Second Class July 1, 1926, during the postmastership of W.T. Robinson. A movement was started a few years ago for the erection of a Federal Building and the excavation for the New Post Office Building was started on May 28, 1937, the first concrete poured on June 8, 1937, and brick'work started June 27, 1937. The Building is trimmed with Carthage limestone and is being completed fifty-seven days ahead of completion date by the Jas. I. Barnes Construction Company, Springfield, Mo., office with Mr. J. L. Epps as construction superintendent and J. T. Richards as construction engineer.
The site of the New Post Office is on the south side of the public square with an area of 19,440 square feet. The building fronts north and sets back 20 feet from the walk on Saunders Street and 20 feet from Gex Street. The walks are 11 feet, 5 inches wide, entrance to the rear is made through a spacious driveway on Gex Street. The dimensions of the building are fifty-seven feet by sixty feet, with a total gross floor area of 5,220 square feet. There is a basement below grade which houses the heating plant, fuel and storage rooms, wash and locker rooms for custodian employees. The ground floor is to be used for general post office activities.
The lobby is finished with St. Genevieve Rose Marble and a floor of terrazzo which harmonizes with the marble. The work-room floor is of hard maple, along the lobby is located the office of the Postmaster, Money Order and Postal Bond division, COD, Parcel Post, Stamps, General Delivery, Air Mail, local and outgoing mail and lock box divisions. On this floor is a large vault where valuable records may be stored, a swing rest room, locker and toilet room for the post office employees.
The cost of the building, $47,450.00.
Historical Background of LaPlata Post Office: The post office was established in LaPlata, Missouri, February 26, 1856. Postmasters who have served: Theodore Sanders...............................................................February 26, 1856 Isaac D. Jones ...................................................................November 21, 1856 Theodore Sanders .............................................................January 29, 1858 Calvin H. Day ...................................................................August 1, 1861 Ellis B. Dabney ..................................................................December 23, 1862 Riley S. Emmons ................................................................July 26, 1864 Albert O. Siple ....................................................................November 21, 1865 Elias D. Timms ...................................................................September 12, 1866 Alanson D. Black ................................................................December 23, 1867 S. C. Davidson ....................................................................July 8, 1868 Barnabus Swarthout ...........................................................April 22, 1869 B. F. Atterberry ...................................................................March 30, 1882 Barnabus Swarthout ............................................................May 22, 1882 John P. Phipps .....................................................................August 6, 1883 John M. Hamel .....................................................................May 2, 1889 William E. Cole .....................................................................April 23, 1894 John W. Overstreet ...............................................................November 30, 1896 Edwin H. Babcock .................................................................July 7, 1898 Leo W. McDavitt ...................................................................January 13, 1903 August P. Mairens .................................................................January 15, 1912 William H. Johnson ...............................................................January 5, 1916 William T. Robinson ..............................................................February 15, 1924 Newton E. Young, Sr., Acting ...............................................February 10, 1936 Newton E. Young, Sr. ............................................................April 24, 1936 |
Note: The following information is a replication of a program that was held to commemorate the dedication of the LaPlata Office in 1937.
Cover of the Program for the Dedication of the LaPlata Post Office
You are cordially invited to attend and participate in the DEDICATION CEREMONIES of the NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING LaPlata, Missouri MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1937 Ceremony 2:30 p.m. Green Theatre Invited Guests: ---
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PROGRAM 2:30 O'CLOCK Dedication Ceremonies NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING LaPlata, Missouri MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1937 To Be Held In the Green Theatre Under Direction Lester Dent, Master of Ceremonies Assisted by Reynolds-Martin Post 282 American Legion ~~~~ INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Addresses by:
Parade from Theatre to Post Office Building and raising of Flag on the Building, under direction of the American Legion. |
Committee on Arrangements Newton E. Young, Sr. Herbert P. Holmes Mack Derr J. T. Richards A. D. Grantges |