[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18321]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              140TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GALENA POST OFFICE

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a 
historic institution in the State of Illinois and the nation. On July 
30, 1999, the Galena Post Office will celebrate its 140th anniversary 
making it the longest continuously owned and operated post office in 
America.
  When the post office was founded, Galena was a thriving mining and 
port community in northwestern Illinois. The streets were bustling with 
miners, traders, dock workers, and trappers. Though a great deal has 
changed since then, many of the original buildings remain standing in 
Galena's historic downtown district. Among these structures is the post 
office.
  The idea of the Galena Post Office was initiated by Congressman Elitu 
B. Washburne, a pre-Civil War era politician from Illinois. The funds 
for the facility were authorized and appropriated by Congress on August 
18, 1856. Construction of the building began in 1857, when the first 
limestone shipments for the edifice arrived via tow-boat. Upon the 
completion of the building's structure on August 3, 1859, the Weekly 
Northwestern Gazette predicted, ``it will last 1,000 years with only 
two forces capable of destroying it, one being an earthquake and the 
other a mob.'' This newspaper was prophetic. The Galena Post Office has 
outlived every other United States post office. It continues to thrive 
today with a delivery area of more than 2800.
  One hundred and forty years later, the Galena Post Office stands 
proudly in the center of town in the same condition as it was in 1859. 
Its 5947 square foot interior was the grand vision of architect Arni B. 
Young. The two-story building is highlighted by an impressive limestone 
exterior. Mr. Young's plans included a civic meeting place with a grand 
cast-iron stairwell, mahogany interior, and arched windows to 
complement the lobby area.
  The Galena Post Office served as not only a post office and a social 
center but also as a vital part of the community. The Smithsonian 
National Postal Museum has bestowed Galena's post office with yet 
another honor, The Great American Post Office Award. This month the 
museum will host an exhibit commemorating Galena's Post Office for its 
outstanding architectural features, historical significance to the 
community, and outstanding record of service.
  Mr. President, on Friday I will have the honor to share in the 
celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Galena Post Office. It is 
truly a remarkable accomplishment.

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