So when P.J. asked if we would be interested in having him document the closing of Delmar, we jumped at the chance to have him tell the story from the historical and personal perspective that he knows more about than anyone.
He was also kind enough to send us the following pictures and their accompanying captions, along with postcards stamped with the Delmar postmark. We have five of them available; if you would like one sent your way, drop us an email. The first 5 people to contact us will each get one. After that, they're gone.
From PJ Gossett, OIC at the Delmar Post Office on its last day:
In September 2011, the Delmar Post Office received word that it will be discontinued and consolidated with the Haleyville Post Office.
In a recent postal magazine, an article stated that when a flag is lowered for the last time at a post office that is closing, the community loses its soul. After 124 years of continuous service, the Delmar office lowered its flag and closed its doors for the last time at 3:00 P.M. on November 18, 2011.
Delmar is the third post office to close in Winston County Falls City
Delmar opened on September 1, 1887 with Newton L. Powell as the first postmaster. Peter J. Gossett was the last person to run the office, being officer-in-charge.
Larry Stephen Robinson buys his last stamps and envelopes at Delmar.
Bobby Canida gets his mail for the last time at Delmar.
L-R: Jo Grissett (Cottondale Post Office), Rebecca Pilliod (last customer at Delmar), and Delmar OIC Peter J. Gossett
OIC P.J. Gossett mails the last letter at Delmar.
OIC P.J. Gossett takes down the flag for the last time at Delmar.
Truck driver Anthony Harbin picks up the last dispatch at Delmar.
Cottondale Postmaster Jo Grissett helps close the office.
Thank you, P.J, for sharing your last day at Delmar with us, and we wish you all of the best at your new assignment.
