Post Office

This file portion of www.watertownhistory.org website

Watertown Post Office

1837

Established August 15, 1837, with William Dennis as post master

1847

06 30 Daily mail to Milwaukee

In compliance with the wishes of the inhabitants of this village, Messrs. Frink & Co. have commenced carrying a daily mail between this place and Milwaukee. By the terms of their contract, they are only required to carry it tri-weekly. This generous effort on the part of these gentlemen to place our businessmen in daily communication with the east is worthy of all commendation. By this arrangement, all the post offices between here and Milwaukee are also furnished with daily eastern and western mail. Watertown Chronicle

1855

12 27 Post Office moved to one of the rooms in the new block erected on Second St.

Building now used as Post office is about to be taken away to make place for a three story brick block. WD

1858

07 08 Regulation on newspapers and periodicals WD

07 15 Appointment of Gen. James Potter as postmaster WD

07 15 Move from Second St to the Democrat Block, on Main St WD

09 30 News Room opened, John Miller, in Post Office bldg WD

1859

02 17 Call for more direct mail service between Watertown and Jefferson WD

04 28 Post Office moved to corner of West Avenue [Main St] and Water streets

06 16 Proposals for carrying mail from post office to railroad depot WD

1860

02 02 Postmaster James Potter removed, Patrick Rogan appointed; moved to room in bldg known as Cramer’s Block WD

1861

02 21 A Nuisance—Every evening, during the distribution of the mails, the lobby of the post office is filled with a lot of unruly boys who make a great deal of disturbance and annoy people very much who have business to transact there. Postmaster Rogan has cleared them out several times, but it does no good—they return in due time only to conduct themselves worse than before. It is an intolerable nuisance and some means ought to be adopted at once that will effectively abate it. Can’t the City Marshal happen around occasionally and do something to preserve the peace? WD

02 22 New Orleans—The Committee on Postal Affairs have reported it inexpedient to change the present postal system—that it is impossible for a single state to establish postal arrangements adequate to the wants of the people. The report recognizes the present government at Washington, for the present business, until the Southern Congress, hereafter called, shall form postal arrangements.

Is it not about time that our government took the hint and cut off the postal facilities at present afforded the rebellious states in the South? There is not a day passes that the mails are not violated, correspondence destroyed, and the privileges for which the North pays so exorbitantly, withheld from persons in the South who are justly entitled to them. So long as Southern post masters see fit to rob the mails, Government should cease spending its money for their benefit. WR

02 28 Candidates for Postmaster The Republican millennium draws near [Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln] —the paradise of office seekers is in sight. The 4th of March is the Rubicon all the lamp carriers wish to get over. Then comes the scramble for the places in the gift of the President. They are many, but numerous as they are, there will be ten applicants for every office. Thousands of anxious pilgrims are already on their way to Washington. To the disappointed, Republicanism, with the disruption of the Union and the defeat of fond hopes, will not seem so fine a thing as it did before election. But the victory has been won and something must be done with it, and if it is not good to give offices to the conquerors, what is it worth? Quite an active canvass is going on here for Postmaster. The most prominent candidates for the appointment are J. T. Moak, one of the editors of the Republican, E. W. Cole, one of the first settlers of the city, and Jacob Jussen, who represents the German element. Either of these gentlemen would make an efficient and accommodating Postmaster. WD

04 04 Under the present uncertainty of the term of my office it becomes my duty to inform my friends and the patrons of the Post Office that the Post Office laws require the postage to be collected at the commencement of each quarter and that I may be in position to act promptly under any emergency that may happen, I hope that all will come prepared to pay their postage for the quarter. No bank bills will be taken in payment for postage except the banks of this city. Peter Rogan, Post Master, Watertown. WD

04 11 New Postmaster – We learn that the appointment of Mr. Jacob Jussen as Postmaster of this city was received last Monday. Mr. Jussen has the ability and industry to make a good officer and will no doubt acceptably discharge his official duty. The retiring postmaster, Mr. Peter Rogan, has won the confidence and good will of this community by his care and promptness. He has always shown the most accommodating disposition and has been ready to extend every favor to all classes. His gentlemanly clerk, Mr. Charles Harberger, is so well acquainted with the business of the office that his continuance there would be generally gratifying. WD

08 22 NEW ENVELOPES—Post master Jussen informs us that he is allowed only six more days from today in which to exchange the new envelopes, hereafter to be used, for old ones, after which time the old envelopes will be of no further use. Those interested should make the transfer immediately. New envelopes can be furnished country post masters from the post office in this city. WD

1867 Justus Moak was appointed postmaster in 1867 by President Andrew Johnson and held the office during the succeeding administrations of Presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. He was relieved by President Cleveland and reappointed by President Harrison, retiring about one year after the commencement of President Cleveland’s second term, making his service as postmaster cover a period of 23 years.

While postmaster Mr. Moak made the postal service a careful, practical study, bringing it up to the dignity of a profession in Watertown, making that office a model for neatness and accuracy. He was an excellent authority upon all subjects pertaining to postal laws, rules and regulations. Quite a number of young men have graduated under his tutorship and are now holding important and responsible positions in various branches of the service, and he had a host of friends throughout the state and nation who sincerely regret his death.

When J. T. Moak received the appointment of postmaster, William Voss became his deputy.

1875 Post office next to Watertown House, S. First St. [1875-76 City Dir].

1885

When the late President Cleveland was sworn in as president for the first time [1885] Col. Donald Scott made an active campaign for the appointment of postmaster against the late Chas. H. Gardner, the former being an old union soldier and the latter a confederate. Feeling ran high for a time, especially so as General Edward S. Bragg championed Mr. Gardner's candidacy. The result was that both old soldiers were sidetracked and the late Henry S. Howell secured the prize.

1892 December 5, 1906, was the fourteenth anniversary of the 1892 establishment of the free mail delivery system in Watertown. A fact in connection with the same is that George Weber and Frank Schulz, present carriers, have been in the service ever since the inauguration of the system. They are two of the original four.

1895

02 13 A new post office has been established in the eastern part of the town of Watertown WR

08 21 Wisconsin Telephone exchange located in the Post Office block WR

1899 Post Office 101 Main - Wm. F. Gruetzmacher, postmaster; J. T. Moak, asst. postmaster. Office hours from 7:30 A.M. to 8 P.M.; money order department, 7:30 A.M. to 6 P.M.; mails close twenty minutes before departure of trains. Watertown City Directory

1902

01 31 Last Friday Landlord Smith, of the New Commercial Hotel, started the new steam-heating plant recently put into the hotel. A new full sized-horse-power boiler has been put into the basement of the new annex to the hotel by Otto Biefeld & Co. and steam connections made throughout the hotel, the sample rooms connected therewith, and also with the post office building, all of which are heated from the new plant. It has been given a full test during the cold weather of the past week and is working in a first class manner. WG

02 07 Notice has been posted in the post office stating that five applications are on file for the establishment of rural mail routes from Watertown, and a request is made in such notice that those desiring appointment as carriers on any of these routes, apply to the local postmaster. WG

1905

02 14 "Representative H. C. Evans called at the post office department today at the request of Postmaster General Wynn to consider the dismissal of Postmaster William F. Gruetzmacher of Watertown, Wis., and to make a recommendation for a successor in that office. It appears that the removal of Postmaster Gruetzmacher was decided upon by the department on the strength of the report of a post office inspector who claimed to have found irregularities in the Watertown office, but not attributing wrong-doing on the part of the postmaster nor making charges involving turpitude against him. The point was simply made that the irregularities had occurred during his service as postmaster. Mr. Adams has not heard anything about the charges or any suggestions of a change in the Watertown office until called to the department today. He made a strong plea for Postmaster Gruetzmacher. The reply of the Postmaster General was that the postmaster has been removed but the department would take under consideration a request for further hearing in the case. Postmaster Gruetzmacher has been in office about three years, having been appointed on the recommendation of former Representative Dahle, and the term does not expire until sometime next year." The above appeared in the Washington correspondence in last week Wednesday's Milwaukee Sentinel, and caused great surprise here. On being interviewed by The Gazette editor regarding postmaster W. F. Gruetzmacher stated that he had received a wire from Congressman Adams asking him if he desired a hearing. He answered in the affirmative and expects a date to be set soon for a hearing of the case.

06 01 A Washington dispatch of May 24 says: The post office department today made an order to the effect that Postmaster W. F. Gruetzmacher at Watertown will not be removed for the present and will probably be permitted to serve out the remainder of his term, which does not expire for about a year. Upon an order made in the closing days of Postmaster General Wynne's term, Mr. Gruetzmacher was to be removed. This was based upon a report by a post office inspector who asserted that there were irregularities in the office, and although the postmaster was not directly responsible therefore, he was held to be generally responsible for the conduct of his office and his retirement for the good of the service was ordered. Postmaster General Cortelyou declined to rescind the order of his predecessor, but decided to have another investigation made, the result of which is that the postmaster will be retained.

12 13 Extensive improvements are in progress at the telephone exchange and when completed, this city will have one of the largest and most convenient exchanges in the state. The entire second floor of the post office building is to be occupied, and will be so arranged that the superintendent's office and the apartments for the male employees will be in the front end of the building, the operating room in the center and ladies' rooms in the rear reached by a side door at the south end of the balcony. Each of the office apartments will be provided with lavatories and every appointment up-to-date. A new large switchboard has already been received, as well as other necessary equipment for making it a perfect exchange in all the requirements for a first-class service. The improvements are being made under the personal supervision of W. C. Stone, and it is unnecessary to remark, that nothing will be left undone to give the people of this city as good a telephone service as is possible to be obtained. During the past year many improvements have been made in the local post office looking toward the safer and more speedy handling of the mails. The prosperity of our city is shown by the increase in receipts during the period from December 1, 1904 to Dec. 1, 1905 as compared with the same period a year before. The importance of the office is shown by the fact that 18 mails are received and 13 dispatched daily. Night service has recently been inaugurated whereby mails are dispatched at all hours of the night, thereby giving us the same service as the first class offices, and mail deposited in the post office or package box at the P. O. corner before 3:00 am will reach Milwaukee and Chicago or intermediate points in time for the first morning delivery. Mail received on the night trains is immediately sorted for the carriers, whose average time of leaving the office is 7:45 a.m. The present force consists of the postmaster, his assistant and 4 clerks, besides 5 city and 8 rural carriers. WR

1906

01 11 1906

The post office controversy has been settled and H. T. Eberle is to be the next postmaster for the city of Watertown for reason that it is unnecessary to state, but which are well known to the other aspirants for the place, it became necessary for Congressman Adams to recommend a third man as a compromise and he recommended H. T. Eberle. His appointment, as far as the writer has been able to ascertain gives general satisfaction to the public and patron of the office. Mr. Eberle is a druggist [Eberle Drug Store, Racek Building, 204-206 Main Street], has resided here many years, and is a good businessman and an exemplary citizen. He is uprights manly and has high ideals to moral and social requirements. Those who are intimately acquainted with him are confident that he will make a very efficient and popular official and be a worthy successor to the present postmaster, who will retire from the office at the expiration of his term, after eight years of service, with a consciousness of having been a faithful officer with no reflection upon his honor and character as a man, either at home or in the post office department at Washington D. C.

The rumor that Mr. Eberle has chosen a deputy is untrue. He has made no promises and does not propose to appoint a deputy until he has received his commission and is about to enter upon the discharge of his duty and will then give his entire time to the performance of his duty, his son Ralph taking charge of his drug business thus relieving him of all responsibilities outside of the post office.

1906

01 12 1906

The post office inspector has been here and recommended a remodeling of the post office in this city. The changes contemplated, are an enlargement of the lobby which all will admit, is altogether too small for the convenience of the public, the private office of the postmaster is to be made larger in order that the safe may be under the personal supervision of the postmaster and constantly under his control. The working office or distributing room has to be enlarged by utilizing the room in the rear now occupied by the Union Telegraph Co. which will seek quarters elsewhere. Work on the improvements are to be begun in the near future and be thought completed by the time that Postmaster Gruezmacher retires from the office so that his successor will step into an office more convenient and in keeping with the size and business of the city that it is at present. The work of remodeling and improving the office will be under the supervision of W. C. Stone, the owner of the building which is a guarantee that they will be substantial and up-to-date.

1906

03 09 1906

Through the influence of postmaster Gruetzmacher a post office inspector will be sent here at an early date to investigate the necessity for an additional mail carrier in the city. For a long time it has been found impossible for carriers now employed to cover the territory in the city twice a day and the residence district. The coming of an inspector will no doubt demonstrate that our postmaster is right in asking for an increase of the force, in order that the city may have prompt and efficient service. W. F. Gruetzmacher has been a very enterprising and thoughtful official as is evidenced in the good service he has rendered with the limited force at his command and the public owe him a debt of gratitude for his uniform courtesy and thoughtfulness in his official capacity.

1906

03 13 1906

Saturday evening, W. F. Gruetzmacher who had taken postmaster of this city turned the office over to his successor, H. T. Eberle who was recently appointed to the position. In retiring the office, Mr. Gruetzmacher can do so with a full consciousness that he had discharged every duty as a public official well and faithfully. During his administration he aided in establishing eight rural routes which have been of great convenience to the agricultural districts adjacent to the city. Under his administration the postoffice was remodeled and made more convenient and metropolitan in appearance and other changes are anticipated . . .

1906

03 17 1906

Friday noon, Postmaster Gruetzmacher being a witness before the grand jury in the United States court and anxious to leave for home on an early afternoon train, a motion was made to adjourn. Mr. Gruetzmacher forgetting himself and thinking no doubt that he was in an old fashioned caucus, objected much to the amusement of the jurors, but his objection stood however and the evidence of the witnesses who desired to go home was taken and they all left for home thanking Mr. Gruetzmacher for his “objection” and the kindness of the jury.

1906

03 18 1906

Special Inspector Gould of Washington was in the city Thursday inspecting the post office. It is reported that he found considerable fault with it, because it was too narrow and inconvenient. It is the best location in the city and should be remodeled as is anticipated it will do until we have a government building which ought to be erected within the next three years.

1906

03 10 1906

When the post office building has been remodeled, the room now occupied by the post office will be occupied in part by C. A. Gamm as a drug store, the room in the immediate rear, by Joseph Robinson as a barbershop and the Western Union Telegraph office will remain where it is at the present time. The location is one of the best in the city, being in the business center, in close proximity to Masonic Temple into which the post office is to be moved, two banks and on a prominent corner by which passes many people during each day in the year . . . The gentlemen, who are to occupy rooms in the building, were fortunate in securing the same at a moderate rental.

MOVED TO 2 E MAIN

1906

05 11 1906

A week from this Sunday morning the post office will be moved into the new quarters in the Masonic Temple building [2 E Main]. The change will be made so quick that on Monday morning following, Postmaster Eberle and his force will be ready for business in the new quarters, which will make a most desirable place. The lock boxes will be run across the front of the room, giving a most excellent light for the patrons of the office and the working force. The postmaster's office will be located directly back of the elevator shaft. The arrangements will be excellent and will add further in giving the patrons the best service possible. During the process of moving and arranging the new office the patrons of the office will undoubtedly be inconvenienced to a certain extent, but they should be charitable and overlook any trifling inconvenience.

c1907, 2 E Main St, Portion of PC_325

1906

07 18 “Where will the new post office be located” is the common question now, and as yet no one seems to be willing to risk an answer. The sites are being discussed but there are always objections to be offered so that no site seems to be universally agreed upon on the general talk. There are really no available sites on Main Street that can be purchased at the moment that has been appropriated by the government for this purpose. Consequently a site will have to be secured on a side street large enough to comply with the requirements of the treasury department, unless the citizens will contribute a sufficient amount to make up the amount appropriated and the cost of a desirable site large enough to meet the requirements of the government. It is a matter that should receive the earnest consideration of every citizen at an early date.

08 17 Offers of three sites for a government building in this city have been sent to the treasury department at Washington. There may be other offers, if there are, they have not been reported to the Leader.

The sites offered here are the property at southwest corner of Second and Madison streets, the Duffy property on Fourth street and a parcel of land on the west side, the location of which is kept a secret. The property at the corner of Second and Madison streets is the most desirable, being near the business center of the city and comes nearer to the demands of the government as to area.

In the course of time a representative of the government will be sent to view the several properties offered and upon his judgment, as to size, availability and location of the sites offered the government will be influenced in making a choice. The Leader is disinterested in the matter insofar as to have the location central so as to accommodate the greatest number of our citizens, especially the business men of the city.

1908

03 31 (50 years after 1858 move to Main St) Another move has been made toward the government building for Watertown, to be erected on the site at the corner of Second and Madison streets, the title to the same having just been cleared for the government. The following dispatch appeared in the Evening Wisconsin last night: Washington D.C., March 27 - (Special) Representative Nelson introduced a bill appropriating $50,000, for the erection of a public building at Watertown, Wis. The government has already secured a site at this point. WG

06 07 $65,000 appropriation becomes $20,000. WL

06 10 Bill granting $65,000 for the government building passed Congress and signed by President. WL

07 10 House removed from the property sold U. S. government WG

07 17 Clerks and carriers received a raise of $100 per annum. WG

08 07 W F Richards appointed railway mail clerk. WG

09 18 John Carey and Elizabeth Kioes marriage. Carey carried the mail between the railway stations and post office.

1909

02 05 Winter storm cripples rural mail delivery WDT

03 13 Rural free delivery of mail is now eleven years old WG

04 09 Transcript of the post office site at Watertown WG

05 07 Nettie Saban-William Richards marriage, post office employee WG

06 11 Examination for clerks and carriers WG

07 30 Asst Postmaster Sidney Eberle, wedding of WG

08 27 Construction materials for new post office WG

1910

01 14 Survey site for new post office WG

01 21 Six city carriers are employed . . . Clerks and salaries received WG

04 01 Postal savings bank bill WG

04 29 President Taft re-appointed H. T. Eberle postmaster of this city. Mr. Eberle has been postmaster for a little over four years, and his administration as postmaster has been a most excellent one, in fact, all things considered, we believe one of the very best ever in office here. His re-appointment has given general satisfaction, and all realize that an efficient, courteous and diligent postmaster has been justly rewarded by re-appointment. The Gazette joins our citizens in extending hearty congratulations. WG

1911

01 06 Editor Watertown Gazette: Watertown Post Office Receipts—It gives me pleasure to comply with your request for a statement of the business done at the Watertown Post Office in 1910. A comparison is made with the year 1909. It should be stated, however, that the business has shown a substantial gain from year to year. The amount of business in 1909 was $23,120.19, that of 1910 $24,534.19, an increase of $1414, equal to six per cent. The surplus receipts sent to the U.S. Depository at Milwaukee, not needed for salaries, rent and other expenses, were $9,474.64.

On the tenth of each month all mail coming in and going out of the office is counted, the daily average figure obtained from these counts in 1910 is 13,228, the lowest figure for any one day was 7,875, the highest 25,501. Making a reasonable allowance for reduced business on Sundays and holidays, the total figure for the year is about 4,500,000 pieces of mail handled by the four clerks in our office during the year. H. T. Eberle, Postmaster WG

01 13 Bids Asked for on Government Post Office Building

Treasury Department

Office of the Supervising Architect, Washington, D. C., December 28, 1910.

Sealed proposals will be received at this office until 3 o’clock p.m. on the 7th day of February, 1911, and then opened for the construction, complete (including plumbing, gas piping, heating apparatus, electric conduits and wiring), of the U.S. Post Office at Watertown, Wis., in accordance with drawings and specifications of the site at Watertown, Wis., or at this office, at the discretion of the supervising architect.

James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect

The Treasury Department has caused the above notice to be published relative to the construction of the Post Office building in Watertown. Plans and specifications may be obtained of Postmaster Eberle by all who contemplate bidding on the building and on which work will no doubt be commenced this year. Congress has appropriated $8,000 for the site and $65,000 for the building. WG

02 02 Don't Do It

The postal authorities at Washington, recognizing the liability of postmasters to make mistakes in getting letters in the wrong boxes, have fixed a penalty of $500 on persons taking mail out of the office other than their own and not returning it at once. This law also includes newspapers. The excuses that it is your postmaster’s fault “cuts no ice.” If you have been getting other people’s mail you had better take warning or you may get yourself into trouble. WG

02 09 Watertown Post Office Bids

Washington, Feb. 7—Bids were opened today for the construction of the federal building at Watertown. Eight bids were presented, two from Milwaukee firms, the Northern Construction Company and the General Construction Company. The three bids were $55,600, $56,366 and $57,860, the Northern Construction Company’s bid being the lowest. WG

02 23 Post Office Leased for 5 Years

The Post Office Department has accepted the proposal of S. M. Eaton, W. H. Woodard and Robert Dent, trustees of Watertown Lodge No. 49, Free and Accepted Masons, to lease the present quarters for five years, from May 12, 1911. WG

03 09 New Post Office Rules

Our postmaster formulates the following rules for the benefit of his patrons and that you may know what you may exact. No letters given out until they have been received. If you don’t get a letter or a paper on the day you expect it have the postmaster look through all the boxes and down in the cellar also. It ought to be there somewhere and he likes to hunt for it just to please you. If your friends don't write rave at the postmaster. He is to blame. If he tells you no, put on a grieved look and say there ought to be some. He is probably hiding your mail for the pleasure of having you call for it. Ask him to look again. If you are buying stamps make him lick them and pat them on, that's his business. WG

03 23 Mail Box orders are not issued

It is reported that some person is canvassing the residence districts of our city, soliciting orders for mail boxes, stating that the post office department had issued orders that patrons who wish their mail delivered by city carrier must put up a mail box at their doors.

No such order has been issued, to the present time, and therefore no one is obliged to purchase and place a box.

The department, some time ago, through circulars, which were distributed by the carriers, did invite the attention of patrons to the advantage of providing facilities for the receipt of the mail. The advantages given were earlier delivery of mail, obviating the necessity of responding to carrier’s call and the ability to deliver mail in the absence of members of the household.

It is probable that an order making the placing of boxes or cutting a suitable slot in the door for the reception of mail will be issued at some future time, but no such obligation exists now. H. T. Eberle, Postmaster WG

03 30 Sunday closing at Post Office

There is a strong sentiment throughout the country favoring the closing of post offices on Sunday, which is shown by petitions received by the post office department from religious and commercial bodies, by letters from the general public and by the comments of the press. Many offices throughout our country are now closed; in this state in the cities of Janesville, Racine, Green Bay and others, with a number soon to follow. The postmaster of this city is desirous to follow the example of these cities and to close this post office on Sunday. It is intended to keep the general delivery open for transients only as is done now from 9 to 10 o'clock; the lobby will be open and patrons who rent lock boxes will have access to their mail as they have now. The carriers' window will be closed and no rural carriers will be in attendance and therefore no mail can be delivered to the patrons of the routes. The Sunday collection from street letter boxes will be continued. The prompt cooperation of the press, the clergy, religious associations, business men and the public is respectfully asked in this move to give the carriers and other employees of the post office as much freedom from Sunday work as possible. The department desires that the closing of the office be put into effect immediately if public sentiment favors the movement. H. T. Eberle, Postmaster

The Gazette favors the closing of the post office on Sunday in accordance with the above, and we believe it will meet with the general approval of all good citizens. WG

04 27 Chicago Firm Will Do Watertown Work

George W. Stiles Construction Company Gets Contract for Post Office. Washington, D. C., April 20 — The George W. Stiles Construction Company of Chicago will build the new post office building at Watertown, Wis. The contract was awarded to that firm by the treasury department on Thursday at $58,721. WG

04 27 Bids Asked For [same date]

The George W. Stiles Construction Co., 722 Rookery Building, Chicago, Ill, contractor for the new post office building, will receive at their office in Chicago bids for the excavation of the building site, either at a whole or per cubic yard price, also price per cubic yd. for sand and gravel, to pass [through] one and one-half inch ring and crushed stone either delivered at job or F.O.B. cars.

George W. Stiles Construction Co. WG

04 27 Post office Closed on Sunday

According to a letter received from the Post Office Department authorizing the closing of the post office hereafter on Sundays, the office will be closed on Sunday, beginning Sunday, May 7. The lobby and general delivery window will be open for the accommodation of renters of boxes and the traveling public from 9 to 10 o'clock.

H. T. Eberle, Postmaster.. WG

Book Watertown, Wis. Public Building. The contract for the construction of the U. S. Public Building, Watertown. Wis., was awarded to the George W. Stiles Construction Co.. Rookery Bldg., Chicago at $57,455 plus $1,412 for substituting granite for pink limestone. The Granite Cutters' Journal, Volume 35 / Granite Cutters' International Association of America, Granite Cutters' National Union of the United States of America, 1911.

1912

02 01 Position for Fireman. An examination for the position of fireman-laborer in the new post office in Watertown will be held in Watertown on February 17. Physical ability and experience are the only two qualifications necessary, and the age limit is from 18 to 55 years. The salary is $660 a year. The examination is open to all citizens of the United States who comply with the requirements but, at the request of the treasury department, preference in certification may be given to residents of the county, including the city, in which the vacancy exists. WG

Cornerstone for the post office at 118 N Second was laid in 1912

Post Office, 1912, Laying of cornerstone for, 118 N Second

Post Office, 1912, postcard

1915

03 05 James W. Moore, for Watertown Gazette publisher, becomes postmaster [1915 or shortly before].

1916

02 04 Clerks tested for efficiency WDT

1921

11 02 William Voss death, Postmaster J. M. Moore comment on WDT

1923

05 17 Jim Spear traded horses for gas; was first mail carrier appointed from Watertown post office WG

1948 Father and Son in Postal Service

03 23 The Watertown post office now has a father and son combination on its staff. They are Herbert A. Baurichter, who has been a carrier for 36 years, and his son, Herbert E. Baurichter, who began his duties on March 8 as a sub-clerk. The father and son are veterans. The father served in World War I with Co. G, 342nd infantry, 86th (Blackhawk) division, seeing service in both England and France. The son served in World War II, serving with the First division. He was wounded in Germany and spent six months in a hospital. Father and son combinations in postal .service, where both are war veterans, are rare, but Watertown now has this combination and both are on duty daily. WDT Article includes pic

1957

10 30 Charles McKeigue and William Muir retire. WDT

1959

05 22 Effort for new post office building, or spend money to refurnish and improve present building WDT

1960

05 01 Ideal locations for new post office WDT

06 17 Watertown Civic Center, new Post Office would be part of plan WDT

12 11 Watertown Post Office substation No. 1, located at the Doerr Pharmacy in West Main Street is giving special Christmas postal service. The substation is open evenings and for the convenience of those who cannot do their mailing of greetings and parcels during the regular or extra hours under which the post office is operating, it is suggested that the facilities of the substation be utilized. Stamps may be secured and mailing of parcels, etc., may be done at the substation which is open each evening including Sundays. WDT

1961

02 23 Plans have been announced for the scheduling of construction of a new post office in Watertown this year. The U.S. Post Office Department announced that a new post office building to serve the Watertown area will become a reality this year. Acting Postmaster E.W. Kaercher was informed that calls for an advertisement for bids for the new building have been authorized. The building will be on a lease basis, as is the general policy of the federal government. WDT

03 15 David J. Fries, chairman of the Democratic Party of Jefferson County, announced that the executive committee of the Democratic Parties of Jefferson and Dodge Counties are recommending to Congressman Robert W. Kastenmeier that he appoint Fredrick Pagel as postmaster of Watertown. The position of postmaster is now held by E. H. Kaercher who is a veteran career postal employee. He is serving as acting postmaster, having been so designated following the resignation last year of Postmaster R. W. Lueck, Jr. WDT

03 29 Frederick Pagel, 138 Riverlawn Avenue, Watertown, was named postmaster of Watertown and is to be installed as soon as possible as the successor to Robert Lueck Jr., who resigned the position on Oct. 28. Announcement of the appointment was made in Washington County this afternoon at the office of Robert W. Kastenmeier of Watertown, Democratic congressman for the second congressional district. “We have requested the U.S. Post Office Department to install Mr. Pagel as the acting postmaster as soon as possible and to conduct the necessary examinations and investigations to nominate him for the permanent appointment,” Kastenmeier said. Pagel, a native of Watertown, is a career worker in the postal transportation service. He was graduated from Watertown High School in 1941 and served in the army for 40 months during World War II. WDT

05 20 Watertown today was assured a new post office building, with April 29, 1962, set as the deadline for its completion. Today’s announcement was received from the office of Congressman Robert W. Kastenmeier in Washington. It was stated that the successful bidder is Harry M. Forman of 105 East Silver Street, Milwaukee. His bid was the lowest of eight submitted. The post office is to be built and a yearly rental on a 20-year lease is to be paid to Mr. Forman. The annual fee to be paid him by the U.S. Post Office will be $20,640. The highest bid ran to $30,072 as the yearly rental. WDT

06 28 Mayor Robert P. White today sent a letter of inquiry to determine what the government proposes to do about the future of the Watertown Post Office, soon to be replaced by a new structure in another part of the city. Recently it was proposed in the city council that if the old building becomes available the city investigate the possibility of acquiring it for some city department, probably a police headquarters. This idea had also been previously discussed during the city managership under C. C. Congdon but never reached a point where it could be advanced to a point of inquiry. WDT

1982

10 30 Albin Zinda “Postmaster of the Year” WDT

1983

08 07 Janet Bauer named postmaster

1998

03 24 Jeffrey D. Hoffmann, 34, succeeded Art Hamann as postmaster WDT

1999

01 06 H rate makeup stamp hard to find WDT

2000

01 02 Armin Genz and Wally Scheiber, retirement of WDT

2009

05 15 Mary Woodard Lasker Stamp Ceremony