Detour Through History

On the way home from Boone Friday, I decided to divert from my normal route and head east through Spruce Pine on U.S. 19E. My objective: the post office in Penland, NC. I had passed it once when I was making a delivery to the Penland School of Crafts, but I couldn't stop then. I had forgotten about it until I saw a picture of it in a recent issue of Our State magazine. It's a long drive from Canton, but Friday's return trip from Boone made a detour for pictures feasible.

Post Office, Penland, NC

I arrived before the post office was open, so I made some photos of the exterior. The windows had protective metal mesh which allowed me to see in, but made photos of the interior impossible from outside. I was just about to leave when the woman who runs this tiny post office showed up. We said hello, and talked about the picture in Our State of which she was very proud. Then she invited me inside to see the lobby and take a peek at the office.

The building was built in 1878, and some of the P. O. boxes date from the original opening in 1879. I made several photos of the interior, and I was glad to get the opportunity to see this living piece of mountain history. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Entrance

Original Service Counter

Original Mail Boxes

Office Area

Newer Service Window

Photo from 1930s (?) when a general store occupied the 

larger space next door off and on from 1902 to 1974.

Did mail originally arrive by train? I'm not sure.

National Register of Historic Places Plaque