[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TEMECULA POST OFFICE

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                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california-

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, today marks the one hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary of the Temecula Post Office. In 1859, at its establishment, 
it became only one of seven post offices in California south of the 
Tehachapi Mountains.
  John Butterfield, an experienced stagecoach company owner was awarded 
a contract to deliver mail between St. Louis, Missouri and San 
Francisco, California. There was a time consideration in the contract 
requiring that each trip be completed in 25 days. On September 16, 
1858, Mr. Butterfield began the first east to west journey and it was 
completed in 23 days and 23 hours.
  Six months after the passage of the first Butterfield Stage through 
Temecula, U.S. President James Buchanan appointed Louis A. Rouen as the 
first Temecula Postmaster on April 22, 1859. Rouen served at the Magee 
store, near what is now Margarita Road and the Temecula Parkway. This 
was the first of the fourteen post office sites that have been used in 
the collection and distribution of Temecula's mail; the post office 
location changed frequently during the ensuing decades. It was located 
in several places including private residences, the Wolf Store, the 
Machado Stores, the train station, the Palomar and the Temecula Hotels, 
Hall's Cafe, Security Pacific Bank and the two sites operating today.
  During its journey to and from Temecula, mail may have been in ships, 
planes, 18 wheelers, golf carts and many other conveyances including 
the last mule train delivery used in the United States. Mail Service in 
Temecula has been a significant part of the community for a century and 
a half. It is sometimes little appreciated except by those who serve. 
Following September 11, 2001 the Postal Service ran a series of 
reminders in magazines, papers and on television that summarize what 
they do for the citizens of Temecula and our Nation.
  ``We are mothers and fathers. And sons and daughters who every day go 
about our lives with duty, honor and pride. And neither snow, nor rain, 
nor heat, nor gloom of night, nor winds of change, nor a nation 
challenged, will stay us from our appointed rounds. Ever.''
  Still standing today, the Temecula Post Office is a monument to the 
faithful and dedicated work of the men and women who have served the 
community for 150 years.

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