[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO THE SHELTER ISLAND POST OFFICE'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Shelter 
Island Post Office, located on Shelter Island, Long Island, NY, that 
this year is celebrating its 150th anniversary of dedicated service to 
the residents of this island.
  Many communities pay little attention to their local post office, 
beyond receiving and sending mail, but that is not the case with 
Shelter Island. Since its creation in 1846, the Shelter Island Post 
Office has been the focal point of the island community, between the 
North and South Forks of eastern Long Island. Separated by water from 
family, friends, and business partners, for 150 years the local post 
office was Shelter Islander's link with the outside world. Every day, 
except Sundays, for the past 150 years island residents gather at their 
post office to pick up their mail, visit with friends and neighbors, 
and discuss the latest local news.
  The Shelter Island Post Office quickly became the town's central 
meeting place, like the town square of a New England Village. It was 
the post office where most islanders learned of new births and recent 
deaths, graduations, new businesses, and new neighbors. If the local 
baymen who plied the surrounding Peconic Bay for fish, lobsters, 
scallops, and clams were having a successful season, they would hear of 
it at the post office.
  During its 150 years, the Shelter Island Post Office has moved around 
the downtown area several times. It was chased from its original site 
that it shared with a blacksmith, cobbler, butcher, and country store. 
After a fire destroyed the building in 1891, the post office moved 
across the street to Duvall's Corner. The old mail drop slot is still 
at the old Gibbs Home. After another move, the post office settled in 
its present location in 1960.
  During its 150 years, the Shelter Island Post Office has been led by 
several dedicated postmasters. Perhaps most impressive among them was 
Archibald Havens, who took over for the original postmaster in 1848 and 
remained through 1893. Civil War veteran Elias Havens Payne took over 
next and stayed through 1915; Alice Sherman ran the office for 22 years 
and Melva Sherman, mother of current Shelter Island Town Supervisor 
Huson Sherman, was postmaster from 1967-74.
  At a special anniversary celebration on August 24, Postmaster Estelle 
Simes postmarked each letter with a special, significant design of a 
Long Island Osprey, a majestic seahawk that is indigenous to Shelter 
Island. The anniversary postmark is a pen and ink drawing done by 
Island artist Carol Wilson. Current Postmaster Estelle Simes even has 
available an anniversary cachet depicting the original post office 
building. A great deal of time has passed since it first opened in 
1846, but the important role that the Shelter Island Post Office serves 
in its community has not changed. I join all Shelter Island residents 
in saluting its post office as it heads into its next 150 years of 
outstanding service to local residents.

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