PO Box Receipt for R. C. M. Zachary (September 30, 1954)
A receipt for a PO box for R. C. M. Zachary with the box number that he paid for, listed along with the dates of purchase and when the rent for the PO box expires. In addition, the receipt shows the exact amount of $4.52 that Zachary paid along with the stamp of approval from postmaster L. A. Bryant Jr.
Original receipt, September 30, 1954: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
New Downtown Orlando Post Office Building
The new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, circa 1941. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building's designer was Louis Simon, who used a Northern Italian Palazzo Revival style. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original black and white photographic print: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A leather postal mail strap from the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. Mail straps were used by Orlando postal workers to tie mail together. Leather satchels were used by U.S. postal workers to carry mail from 1864 to around 1974, when they made the switch to canvas, due to the scarcity and cost of leather. This strap came from one such leather satchel manufactured by Bucheimer or Bona Allen, Inc.
Original color digital image, September 2015: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
St. Joseph's Academy Boys Basketball Team, 1929
St. Joseph's Academy's seven-member boys basketball team standing in a wooded area in 1929. St. Joseph's Academy, located at 53 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, opened on October 17, 1889, with just 40 students. The school, built by Father J. J. Creed of St. James Cathedral, was to serve the children of St. James Church until 1929, when a new Italian Renaissance-style school was opened at 505 East Ridgewood Street between Cathcart Avenue and Hillman Avenue. The school stood at the northeast corner of the church property at Main Street and Robinson Street, where the U.S. Post Office now stands in Downtown Orlando on 51 East Jefferson Street. Photographed from left to right are Franklin Zane, Jack Spellman, Eugene Jane, Paul Yochum, Ray Jane, and Fred Yochum would be the last basketball team of St. Joseph Academy.
Original 10 x 10 inch black and white photograph, 1929: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
St. Joseph's Academy, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Seventh and Eighth Graders at St. Joseph's Academy, 1928
Seventh and eighth graders at St. Joseph's Academy, located at 53 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1928. St. Joseph's Academy opened on October 17, 1889, with just 40 students. The school, built by Father J. J. Creed of St. James Cathedral, was to serve the children of St. James Church until 1929, when a new Italian Renaissance-style school was opened at 505 East Ridgewood Street between Cathcart Avenue and Hillman Avenue. The school stood at the northeast corner of the church property at Main Street and Robinson Street, where the U.S. Post Office now stands in Downtown Orlando on 51 East Jefferson Street. Students photographed include, from left to right, in the top row: Frank Yochum, Al Shepp, Mark Lambert, Ed Cavanaugh, Leonard Bumby, Gilmore Mac Carvel, Art Jane, Hilary Lyons, Mary Mickler, Arnold Mickler, and Frank Consonni. The second row shows an unidentified student, Alice Shore, Mildred McFarland, two unidentified students, Margaret Horan, and another unidentified student. Photographed in the bottom row are Henry Manhart, Charles Spellman, Lyons, Agnes Marsh, Becky Bumby, Catherine Cunningham, an unidentified student, Rose Rizk, Rita Girouard, Victoria Rizk, Codner, an unidentified student, Harold Young, and an unidentified student.
Original 8 x 5 inch black and white photograph, 1928: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Letter from R. R. Reid to Bishop John Moore (June 6, 1881)
A letter of correspondence between R. R. Reid, a property and store owner in Palatka, and Bishop John Moore over the purchase of a plot of land. At the time, Bishop Moore was in charge of the St. Augustine Catholic Diocese, which included Orlando, Florida. In 1881, he purchased a block in Downtown Orlando that was encompassed by Magnolia Avenue, Orange Avenue, Jefferson Street, and Robinson Street. The church was finished in 1887 and was originally named the Holy Nativity Catholic Church. In 1888, the name was changed to St. James Catholic Church.
Original handwritten letter from R. R. Reid to Bishop John Moore, June 6, 1881: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Students outside of St. Joseph’s Academy in Downtown Orlando, Florida. In 1889, St. Joseph’s Academy was constructed on the church grounds of St. James Catholic Church. The Catholic school was administrated by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The school began with 30 students and the student body peaked in 1927 with 200 pupils in attendance. In 1928, Father Michael Fox began construction of a new, larger school nearby and closed the academy in 1929.
Original 5 x 8 inch black and white photograph: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
East Robinson Street and North Magnolia Avenue, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Envelope to Roger Pounds, Ruth Pounds, and Peggy Jo Pounds
This envelope once contained a letter written to Roger Pounds and his wife and daughter, Ruth Pounds and Peggy Jo Pounds. Pounds was the president of Pounds Crate Company, providing containers for Orlando businesses. He and Ruth also ran a dance studio in the late 1950s. The Martha Washington stamp dates the envelope to roughly 1938, as that was the year the stamp was issued. Pounds passed away in 1996. This letter was likely personal and non-business related, based on the inclusion of Peggy Jo as the addressed recipient. It is addressed to 746 Clifford Drive, which was likely the Pounds' residence.
Original envelope to Roger Pounds, Ruth Pounds, and Peggy Jo Pounds: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
The classic and distinguished hat that was a part of the attire worn by both postmen and mail truck drivers. The iconic badge of the U.S. Post Office adorns the face of the hat to identify postmen as federal employees and also to signify the role they held within the Post Office. There were a multitude of designs available to wear ranging from berets, panama hats, or safari helmets. As of 1972, the hat was no longer required to be worn as part of the postman's uniform and instead replaced with baseball style hats that are optional.
Envelope to Mayor Carl T. Langford (April 23, 1979)
This envelope originally contained a letter written to Mayor Carl T. Langford a year before he stepped down as Mayor of Orlando. Mayor Langford was a popular mayor, known for his political irreverence and sense of humor. He presided as mayor from 1967 to 1980, during the city's greatest period of growth following the arrival of Walt Disney World. His most important legacy was the Orlando International Airport.
Original envelope to Mayor Carl J. Langford, April 23, 1979: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Orlando City Hall, Downtown Orlando, Florida
This is a replica of a mail satchel cart used to transport multiple satchels of mail to ease the burden upon the mail carrier. The use of satchel carts is very situational and used in instances where the postal vehicle would be unable to reach a location with multiple post boxes. However, the use of the satchel cart must be approved by a Postmaster with its use being reserved by physically-impaired postmen first. The carts are fairly resilient and can transport up to 70 pounds of mail, which is equivalent to two mail satchels. Today, the use of satchel carts is on the decline, as segues have become more widespread and exponentially decrease the physical toll of wheeling a heavy mail trolley.
This envelope originally contained a letter written to prominent Orlando citizen Texann Ivy (now Buck). Texann graduated from high school in Orlando and went to college at Waco's Baylor University. There, she studied art, specializing in sculpture and 20th century American prints. She went on to publish two books on the latter subject in the 1980s, focusing on Depression-era printmakers. Today, she is still active in the Orlando cultural community and is a board member of Orlando Remembered. Given the date of the letter, the sender's location in Austin, Texas, and Texann's Orlando address, this letter was likely mailed shortly before she went to Baylor.
Original envelope to Texann Ivy, 1968: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Birthday Plate from Father Fox to Lucille Fair
This plate was given to Lucille Fair as a birthday present from Father Michael J. Fox at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. For her birthday, Father Fox presented her with this plate along with a piece of cake as a birthday present. She continued to use it as her birthday cake plate for the next 90 years. She soon decided to donate the plate to St. Joseph's Parish in honor of Father Fox for all of the memories that she had received from it and to pass it on as a tribute to him. Fair grew up on Church Street in Downtown Orlando and continued to take part in the cities events. Father Fox was the first full-time pastor of St. James Church, which was connected to the parish of St. Joseph' Academy.
Original color digital images, September 2015: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
"Two envelopes, which were processed by the Downtown Orlando Post Office and addressed to Betty Riddle. The first envelope was stamped September 15, 1941, while the other envelope, sent nine months later, was stamped June 13, 1942. Riddle was a born and raised in Orlando in 1923 and would have been around 18 when these letters were sent. Riddle’s father, Robert Riddle, was the owner of the Eola Coffee Company on Lake Eola. Riddle married Carter C. Whitmire, Sr., who owned Whitmire’s Furniture Store. Riddle continued her involvement in Orlando as a member of many local clubs and organizations until her death in 2007. The most significant feature of these envelopes is that they both used 3 cent defense stamps as their postage. These stamps were issued in October of 1940 and contain a design sketched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. These stamps were an attempt by FDR to encourage the United States to become involved in World War II. There were billions of these stamps sold across the U.S. in an effort to raise money for defense. Less than three months after the first envelope was stamped, the United States entered the war.
Original envelopes to Betty Riddle: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Envelope from Steve Williams to Mary Ivy (March 15, 1968)
This envelope originally contained a letter written by Steve Williams to Mary Ivy. Ivy shared an address with prominent Orlando citizen and Orlando Remembered board member Texann Ivy (now Buck), indicating that they were siblings or more distant relatives living under the same roof. Neither city directories from 1968 or 1969 list the family and therefore certainty as to their relation is difficult.
Original envelope from Steve Williams to Mary Ivy, March 15, 1968: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A class picture taken outside of St. Joseph's Academy in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The academy was created in 1889, along with St. James Cathedral School, and they were both placed along the intersection of Robinson Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. In the beginning, the school had a total student count of around 30. However, by 1927, St. Joseph's had enrolled over 200 students. In 1929, following the supervision of then-pastor of St. James Catholic Church, Father Michael J. Fox, the school building on Ridgewood Street opened as a church school to accommodate students kindergarten through 12th grade. Soon after, the St. James' school would replace St. Joseph's Academy.
Original black and white photograph, June 2, 1913: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A traditional mail satchel worn by mail carriers to deliver their packages. The one shown in the picture was one of the series of leather satchels that were manufactured and used from 1868 until 1974, when they were phased out by the canvas satchels which are currently still in use. The leather satchels are quite durable, lasting up to six years compared to the paltry 18-month lifespan of the canvas satchels. In terms of weight, these leather satchels could hold 35 pounds, with mailmen often carrying two at a time if their route contained a large number of clients. However, many mailmen refrained from carrying two satchels at once in order to swiftly flee from any aggressive dogs whose favorite pastime was to harass the mailmen.
The former building for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown, Orlando, Florida. From 1917 to 1941, the Orlando post office was housed in a building on the corner of Central Boulevard and Court Avenue and was known as the Federal Building. This building was home to the post office and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices, and was the meeting place for the World War II draft committee. In 1941, the post office moved to its new location on Jefferson Street, but the Federal Building remained. In 1962, the Federal Building was bought by Ivey’s department store. The building was demolished to make room for a new parking lot. Today, the location is home to a BankUnited.
Original black and white photographic print, 1933: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Federal Building, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Envelope from Perrios Haedji to John Kamitsos
A letter sent from Perrios Haedji to John Kamitsos. On the front are three unique stamps with Greek words along with three seals from the Downtown Orlando Post Office approving the letter. Kamitsos' ethnic background was Greek, as his father immigrated from Greece to Orange City, Florida. There, his father met and married Geneva Kamitsos, who gave birth to John on March 3, 1933. Later in his life, Kamitsos moved to Orlando and landed a job as the head of the Orlando Remembered project, which seeks to chronicle the history of Orlando.
Original envelope from Perrios Haedji to John Kamitsos: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
This is a neighborhood mailbox padlock from the post-World War II period. Its case and shackle are made of brass, opened by key, and uses a five-lever lock. It was a type of lock distributed by the U.S. Post Office Department to residents of Orlando for street letter boxes. The lock was assigned to letter box code number 49. By the 1950s, the following codes were withdrawn from service: 24, 37-43, 45-47, and 52-54.
This is a handstamp postmark that was used to mark postage stamp to prevent reuse. Prior to the advent of stamps to prepay postage, such markings only served to provide information to postal clerks as they handled the stampless envelope. After stamps came into use, cancellations became necessary to void the stamp for repeat usage. This type of stamp cancellation was nicknamed "killer" and featured wavy lines or sometimes bars. This particular handstamp was created by De Guehery's Rubber Stamp Company, which was located at 64 West Robinson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, and is now known as Orlando Rubber Stamps and Sign Company.
De Guehery's Rubber Stamp and Sign Company, Downtown Orlando, Florida
This a notary/corporate postmark used to officially apply to a piece of mail as it passes through the mailstream. It includes town data (Orlando) and was part of a process where postal workers would stamp markings indicating routing, directory service, postage due, censorship, registration, special delivery, forwarding, carriage by special transportation, etc. This particular handstamp was created by De Guehery's Rubber Stamp Company, which was located at 64 West Robinson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, and is now known as Orlando Rubber Stamps and Sign Company.
A notary/corporate postmark used to officially apply to a piece of mail as it passes through the mailstream. It includes town data and was part of a process where postal workers would stamp markings indicating routing, directory service, postage due, censorship, registration, special delivery, forwarding, carriage by special transportation, etc.
A postage stamp issued in 1947. Claude Pepper (1900-1989), then U.S. Senator from Florida, wrote Postmaster General Hannegan on July 9, 1947, to petition for a postage stamp to commemorate the dedication of the Everglades National Park. The Everglades National Park Commission had began efforts to produce such a stamp. John Pennekamp had found a former U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) artist to translate ideas into a finished design to be rendered in "a pretty green" ink. BEP issued a design on October 20 and by December of that year, the resulting stamp featured an outline map of Florida and white heron.
Original 1.44 x 0.84 inch postage stamp, December 5, 1947: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Construction of the New Downtown Orlando Post Office Building
The new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, during construction circa 1941. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building's designer was Louis Simon, who used a Northern Italian Palazzo Revival style. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Money Transfer from Ebenezer Nanabamyin Okai
A money transfer sent by Ebenezer Nanabamyin Okai in Tema, Ghana, to Elaine Pancake, the customer relations coordinator for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. This particular post office was constructed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style from 1939 to 1941 and dedicated on April 14, 1941. It has been occupied by the United States Postal Service since 1941, the Federal District Courthouse from 1941 to circa 1974, and the office of the Roman Catholic Church since 2003.
Original money transfer: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Envelope from J. Huang to Elaine Pancake
An envelope from J. Huang to Elaine Pancake, the customer relations coordinator for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. This particular post office was constructed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style from 1939 to 1941 and dedicated on April 14, 1941. It has been occupied by the United States Postal Service since 1941, the Federal District Courthouse from 1941 to circa 1974, and the office of the Roman Catholic Church since 2003.
Original envelope from J. Huang to Elaine Pancake, July 2003: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Envelope from A. Dellinger to Elaine Pancake
An envelope sent from A. Dellinger to Elaine Pancake, the customer relations coordinator for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. This particular post office was constructed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style from 1939 to 1941 and dedicated on April 14, 1941. It has been occupied by the United States Postal Service since 1941, the Federal District Courthouse from 1941 to circa 1974, and the office of the Roman Catholic Church since 2003.
Original envelope from A. Dellinger to Elaine Pancake, May 2001: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A Catholic procession in Downtown Orlando, Florida, sometime between 1939 and 1941. Altar servers are followed by the bishop, priests, and congregants. In these processions, a cross bearer and candle holder, who are not pictured, led the procession and were followed by any extra servers, deacons, priests, and in this case, a bishop. If a bishop is present, at least two servers will follow behind to be ready to take his crosier and his mitre. During a Confirmation ceremony or any other special mass, members of the congregation may process in between the cross and candle bearers and the deacons. In the background, a sign for Walter Menges' Clothier To Men can be seen. The store was located on North Orange Avenue in between Jefferson Street and Robinson Street. Other shops near here included a Rexall drug store and Brenner's Ladies Dress Shop.
Original black and white photograph: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Walter Menges' Men's Clothing Shop, Downtown Orlando, Florida
St. James Cathedral's Original Wooden Church Building
St. James Cathedral was originally finished in June of 1891 under Bishop John Moore of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Father Swembergh, and later Father Creed, who succeeded Father Swembergh following his death. Since its original 40 by 70 feet wooden structure, the cathedral has been renovated three times. It was rebuilt entirely in 1952, renovated to become the cathedral of the Diocese of Orlando in the late 1970s, after St. Charles Borromeo Cathedral had burned down. More recently, in 2009, the cathedral was renovated again to restore some of the original stone work and rose windows.
Original black and white drawing: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
St. James Cathedral, Downtown Orlando, Florida
An envelope sent from Group 21 MEBA to Texann Ivy in October of 1967. Texann Ivy Buck is a graduate of Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Specializing in 20th Century American prints, sculpture, and in the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) prints, Buck established Texann Ivy Fine Arts, located at 818 Ellwood Avenue in Orlando, in 1977. In the 1980s, she curated an exhibition on 1930s American printmaking at the Cornell Museum of Art at Rollins College in Winter Park. In 2013, she created a display honoring Dr. Jerry B. Callahan, which is on permanent display at the Callahan Neighborhood Center, located on Parramore Avenue in Orlando. She remains involved with Orange County art, history, and cultural institutions.
Original envelope to Texann Ivy, October 1967: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Employees at New Downtown Orlando Post Office Building
Postal employees after the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, circa 1941. The photograph includes 109 employees ranging from superintendent to clerk. The Postmaster and Assistant Postmaster are included in the middle row of the photo. The group is comprised of mostly white men; however, the second row shows a woman, and the first and third rows show three African-American men. The building was constructed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style from 1939 to 1941 and dedicated on April 14, 1941. It has been occupied by the United States Postal Service since 1941, the Federal District Courthouse from 1941 to circa 1974, and the office of the Roman Catholic Church since 2003. The building was renovated in the early 2000s and was modified for office and retail use, with the post office retaining 13,200 square feet. Plans included an adjacent parking garage on the north side, though that that aspect never came to fruition. St. James Roman Catholic Cathedral, located across Court Street from the post office, purchased the parts of the building not utilized by the post office and use it for Chancery office space.
Envelope from Ferguson/CFSC to Texann Ivy Buck
An envelope sent from Ferguson/CFSC to Texann Ivy Buck. The envelope was sent multiple times, as there are six stamps. Buck is a graduate of Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Specializing in 20th Century American prints, sculpture, and in the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) prints, Buck established Texann Ivy Fine Arts, located at 818 Ellwood Avenue in Orlando, in 1977. In the 1980s, she curated an exhibition on 1930s American printmaking at the Cornell Museum of Art at Rollins College in Winter Park. In 2013, she created a display honoring Dr. Jerry B. Callahan, which is on permanent display at the Callahan Neighborhood Center, located on Parramore Avenue in Orlando. She remains involved with Orange County art, history, and cultural institutions.
Original envelope from Ferguson/CFSC to Texann Ivy Buck, March 2011: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A Florida Centennial postage stamp, along with identifying labels. The image of the Great Seal of the State of Florida is surrounded by the Old City Gates in St. Augustine on the left and the State Capitol Building on the right. The two images have the years of the centennial above them: 1845 was when Florida was admitted as a state, and 1945 was the centennial anniversary. The stamp cost three cents at the time.
Photocopy of original postage stamp, 1945: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Florida State Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
A mailman badge worn on hats and coats by post office staff. In 1922, the letter carrier’s badge was redesigned. The new badge was solid, of nickel-plated metal, elliptical in shape, and topped with a 1/2 inch tall eagle with wings spread two inches wide. The numbers, raised in the center of the badge, were 9/16ths of an inch long. The words "U. S. Post Office" were raised along the top, and the name of the Post Office and state were along the bottom. Raised five-pointed stars adorned the right and left sides, visually separating the text. The badge was curved at 10% to conform to the shape of the headgear.
In 1922, the letter carrier’s badge was redesigned. The new badge was solid, of nickel-plated metal, elliptical in shape, and topped with a 1/2 inch tall eagle with wings spread two inches wide. The numbers, raised in the center of the badge, were 9/16ths of an inch long. The words "U. S. Post Office" were raised along the top, and the name of the Post Office and state were along the bottom. Raised five-pointed stars adorned the right and left sides, visually separating the text. The badge was curved at 10% to conform to the shape of the headgear.
Letter from J. D. Beggs (March 13, 1941)
A letter of correspondence concerning the formal dedication of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The ceremony was sponsored by the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. The letter is from J. D. Beggs, acting postmaster, to another postmaster concerning his attendance. The ceremony took place on April 15, 1941. Beggs sought to make the ceremony grand, and many prominent guests were there including then U.S. Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946).
Original typewritten letter from J. D. Beggs, March 13, 1941: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A postcard displaying a drawing of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The post office was built and finished in 1941 as a result of funding provided by the federal government. The land it was built upon had formerly been the site of a Catholic school, but was sold during the Great Depression. The post office building, after debuting in 1941, served Downtown dutifully through the middle of the 20th century in numerous capacities. It served as a post office, a courthouse, and a base for the United States Marshals Service (USMS), as well as several important roles in government adjudication at a federal and local level. In 1989, the Federal Building at Jefferson Street was declared a landmark in the city of Orlando.
Original color postcard: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Personnel at the Downtown Orlando Post Office, 1941
Taken in 1941, this group photograph shows all the operational staff at the newly constructed Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. All employees of the Post Office, including the custodians, were considered full employees of the federal government making these jobs quite sought after by the general public. Employees were well taken care of thanks to government benefits and job security was rather high making these jobs secure and reliable sources of income. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building's designer was Louis Simon, who used a Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices.
Original black and white photograph, 1941: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Personnel at the Downtown Orlando Post Office, 1930
The staff of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1930, including Postmaster Dr. Laycock and assistant Postmaster Dedaney. All employees of the Post Office, including the custodians, were considered full employees of the federal government making these jobs quite sought after by the general public. Employees were well taken care of thanks to government benefits and job security was rather high making these jobs secure and reliable sources of income. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building's designer was Louis Simon, who used a Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices.
Original black and white photograph, 1930: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Personnel at the Downtown Orlando Post Office, 1938
The staff of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1938, including Postmaster Beggs. All employees of the Post Office, including the custodians, were considered full employees of the federal government making these jobs quite sought after by the general public. Employees were well taken care of thanks to government benefits and job security was rather high making these jobs secure and reliable sources of income. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building's designer was Louis Simon, who used a Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices.
Original black and white photograph, 1938: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
A replica of a 1931 Ford Model A mail truck. During the 20th century, the U.S. Post Office Department began to increasingly rely on automobiles for the rapid and effective delivery of mail. First used in rural areas, mail trucks began to see increased use in urban areas starting from the 1930s with the entry of new mail trucks, such as the Ford Model A pictured here. Able to carry an enormous amount of mail, these trucks began to proliferate across the major cities of the United States. Additionally, various other mail vehicles were used depending on the location of the post office and the terrain that the vehicles needed to handle. For example, tinier tri-wheeled mail trucks would sometimes be used to tiny suburbs, while heftier and larger mail trucks would be used to traverse the dirt roads of the countryside to deliver mail in rural places.
Downtown Orlando Post Office Building from East Robinson Street
From this view of the Historic Post Office building, a giant crucifix is visible. This represents the area occupied by the Chancery center for the Diocese of Orlando. In 2001, Bishop Norbert Dorsey bought most of the building, which is on land the Church sold during the Great Depression, to accommodate the growing offices of the diocese. This situated the offices next to the St. James Cathedral, which is the center of the Diocese.
Created in 1889, the St. James School was originally a foundation for the former St. Joseph's Academy. However, after the Academy closed in 1929, the introduction of the Cathedral school began and it has continued the traditions of St. Joseph's by providing a strong education for its students. Under the guidance of Father Michael J. Fox, who also worked with St. Joseph's, the school has continued educating children from pre-kindergarten to the eighth grade.
Original color digital image, October 20, 2011: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida.
St. James Cathedral School, Downtown Orlando, Florida
This exhibit, produced by Orlando Remembered shows objects from the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 E Jefferson Street. The post office was constructed in 1941 on land purchased from the adjacent St James Catholic Church. It still functions as a post office today; however, the building also houses the offices for the Diocese of Orlando. Orlando Remembered is a community based group, dedicated to the preservation of Downtown Orlando's past. To date, the group has constructed 18 exhibits in the downtown area that highlight the current building's connection to the past.
Original color digital image by Rosalind J. Beiler, September 10, 2015
This exhibit shows objects from St. James Catholic Cathedral, located at 215 North Orange Ave. In 1881, the church developed the property as a parochial school. The school, known as St. James Academy, was home to 200 students until 1929. In the 1930s the Catholic Church sold the property to the Federal government, which used the land to construct the Downtown Orlando Post Office. In 1989, the church repurchased the land and today shares the building with the United States Postal Service (USPS). Orlando Remembered is a community based group, dedicated to the preservation of Downtown Orlando's past. To date, the group has constructed 18 exhibits in the downtown area that highlight the current building's connection to the past.
St. James Catholic Church, Downtown Orlando, Florida
St. James Catholic Cathedral, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Letter from A. C. Hahn to L. A. Bryant (December 17, 1968)
A letter of correspondence from A. C. Hahn to L. A. Bryant dated December 17, 1968. At the time that the letter was written, Hahn was the Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Post Office Department and Bryant was the Postmaster for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. In the letter, Hahn discusses an Advisory Board meeting that the two attending in New York and wishes Bryant a joyful Christmas and happy new year. The attached photograph shows the Advisory Board meeting.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from A. C. Hahn to L. A. Bryant,December 17, 1968: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, January 1917
Construction of the Federal Building, located at 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1917. From 1917 to 1941, the Federal Building was used for multiple purposes, which included housing the Downtown Orlando Post Office. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen and Sons. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices.
Original black and white photographs, January 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, February 1917
Original black and white photograph, February 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, March 1917
Construction of the Federal Building, located at 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1917. From 1917 to 1941, the Federal Building was used for multiple purposes, which included housing the Downtown Orlando Post Office. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The new building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen and Sons. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices.
Original black and white photographs, March 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, April 1917
Original black and white photographs, April 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, May 1917
Original black and white photographs, May 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, June 1917
Original black and white photographs, June 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, July 1917
Original black and white photographs, July 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, September 1917
Original black and white photographs, September 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, October 1917
Original black and white photographs, October 1, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, February 1940
Construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in 1940. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen and Sons. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original black and white photograph by O'Rork Studios, February 27, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, March 1940
Original black and white photograph by O'Rork Studios, March 22, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, April 1, 1940
Original black and white photograph by O'Rork Studios, April 1, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, April 15, 1940
Original black and white photograph by O'Rork Studios, April 15, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, May 1, 1940
Original black and white photographs, May 1, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, May 18, 1940
Original black and white photographs by O'Rork Studios, May 18, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, June 1940
Original black and white photographs by O'Rork Studios, June 3, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, July 1940
Original black and white photographs by O'Rork Studios, July 1, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, August 1, 1940
Original black and white photographs by O'Rork Studios, August 1, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, August 31, 1940
Original black and white photographs by O'Rork Studios, August 31, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, October 1940
Original black and white photographs, October 1, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, November 1940
Original black and white photographs by O'Rork Studios, November 1, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, December 1940
Original black and white photographs, December 3, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, January 1941
Construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen and Sons. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original black and white photographs, January 2, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, February 1, 1941
Original black and white photographs, February 1, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, March 1941
Original black and white photograph by O'Rork Studios, March 1, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
The San Juan de Ulloa Hotel, located at 32 North Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1940. The building was constructed from 1885 to 1886 by Captain C. E. Pierce at an initial cost of $150,000. The original owner was Henry S. Kedney, who moved from Minnesota to Maitland in 1870 and then to Orlando in 1885. The initial building was a three-story, wood-framed building topped with a dome. In 1887, Harry L. Beeman moved to Orlando and bought the San Juan Hotel. He added two stories and a new addition for $500,000 around 1900. From 1890 to 1900, it also housed the Downtown Orlando Post Office. In 1903, Beeman added a veranda on the north side. In 1914, Henry Green took charge of $20,000 in alterations, including the addition of a laundry room, 12 private baths, and the conversion of the barbershop into a café. In the spring of 1922, Turner Construction Company added an additional eight stories at a cost of $357,000. In May 1928, there was a plan to spend $150,000 to rebuild it along modern lines but it is not known if this was carried out or to what extent. The hotel also housed a series of services for hotel guests and Orlando residents alike. Among these were several restaurants, a barbershop, and a laundry. The San Juan was the main focal point for activity in Orlando in the early years, but the hotel hit hard times in the 1960s and was re-opened as the Grand Central Hotel, which opened on October 6, 1978. The Grand Central served a gay clientele, featuring several themed bars and lounges. In 1979, the hotel was destroyed by fire. The building was eventually demolished in 1981. The current use of site is a business office originally known as the First Union Bank Tower. It is a 16-story, 300,000-square foot building, completed in 1983.
San Juan de Ulloa Hotel, Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Methods Handbook: City Delivery Service Mechanization
This is a Methods Handbook published and prepared by the Bureau of Operations of the U.S. Post Office Department on August 1, 1958. The mechanization of post offices began in 1956 when the U.S. Post Office Department began researching the coding systems of other countries and developing a system for the United States. The first semiautomatic parcel sorting machine was introduced that same year. The late 1950s also saw the use of the first American-built letter sorter, setting the stage for increased mechanization and automation in the 1960s and 1970s. This handbook centers mostly on postal vehicles and other pieces of equipment utilized to increase efficiency in mail delivery.
Original 44-page handbook, August 1, 1958: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from M. C. Muddleson to James D. Beggs, Jr. (January 16, 1941)
A letter from M. C. Muddleson to Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr., dated January 16, 1941. In the letter, Muddleson discusses plans for the dedication ceremony of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from M. C. Muddleson to James D. Beggs, Jr., January 16, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Memorandum by Judge Akerman for James D. Beggs, Jr.
A memorandum by Judge Alexander Akerman (1869-1948) for Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. regarding the establishment of a federal court in Orlando for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. In the memo Judge Akerman discusses his meetings with various members of Congress representing Florida, including Representative William J. Sears (1874-1944), Rep. Ruth Bryan Owen (1885-1954), Rep. J. Mark Wilcox (1890-1956), Senator Duncan U. Fletcher (1859-1936), and Sen. Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). The court for Orlando was later established in 1933 and remained until the establishment of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1962.
Original memorandum from Alexander Akerman to James D. Beggs, Jr.: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Memorandum from Assistant Postmaster General to Postmasters with Gross Receipts of $1 million to $20 Million (December 7, 1954)
A memorandum is from the Assistant Postmaster General Joseph A. Clarke to postmasters who are in charge of offices that gross between $1 million to $20 million. In the memo, Clarke discusses the reorganization of the Division of Finance within the U.S. Post Office Department. The reorganization entailed the reduction of work requirements for the Division of Finance had been reduced due to the creation of regional distributing offices and the regional distributing offices became responsible for supplying stamps and other accountable items. Clarke was the first African American to be appointed Special Assistant to the Assistant Postmaster General of the Bureau of Operations.
Original memorandum from Joseph A. Clarke to postmasters, December 7, 1954: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Mahim A. Leitzel to James D. Beggs, Jr. (April 10, 1941)
In this letter, Mahim A. Leitzel informs James D. Beggs, Jr. that he plans to attend the dedication ceremony of the Downtown Orlando Post Office in Downtown Orlando, Florida, on April 15, 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Mahim A. Leitzel to James D. Beggs, Jr., April 10, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from John Masek to H. Leeds Anwyll, Red McGee, A. Wright, and James D. Beggs, Jr. (October 23, 1940)
A letter from John Masek of the Orlando Philatelic Society to H. Leeds Anwyll, citrus executive and newspaper reporter/editor Red McGee, A. Wright, and Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. It is regarding the dedication ceremony of the new Downtown Post Office on April 15, 1941 and the society's involvement. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from John Masek to H. Leeds Anwyll, Red McGee, A. Wright, and James D. Beggs, Jr., October 23, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Downtown Orlando Post Office Action Plan (November 17, 1983)
An Action Plan for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, dated November 17, 1983. The plan sets forth the goals of the post office and the plan to accomplish the goals. Some of the goals include adjusting carrier routes to eight hours, reducing overtime hours, and increasing productivity. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original action plan, November 17, 1983: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Frederick C. Belen to Jimmy Bryant (November 15, 1966)
A letter from Deputy Postmaster General Frederick C. Belen (ca. 1904-1999) to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant. In the letter, Belen thanks Bryant for a weekend fishing trip in Orlando. Originally an attorney, Belen also served as counsel, chief counsel and staff director of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee from 1946 to 1961. In 1961, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster General for Operations. From 1964 to 1969, Belen served as Deputy Postmaster General and is credited with the automation of mail processing and delivery. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original letter from Frederick C. Belen to Jimmy Bryant, November 15, 1966: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Orlando's Postmasters and Terms of Office, 1898 to 1951
A memorandum from the U.S. Post Office Department listing the names and terms of service of postmasters for Orlando, Florida, from 1898 1951. The postmasters included W. R. O'Neal, 1898 to 1914; W. C. McLean, 1914 to 1923; Claudia DeLaney, 1923 to 1930; D. R. Laycock, 1930 to 1935; James D. Beggs, Jr., 1935 to 1949; D. H. Howell, 1949 to 1951; and Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012), 1951 to 1983. Bryant was the postmaster at the time that this list was compiled. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original memorandum: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from J. P. Cullen & Son to Paul H. Heimer (April 30, 1941)
A letter from J. P. Cullen to construction engineer Paul H. Heimer inquiring about the name and address of the District Engineer. Cullen was the head of J. P. Cullen & Son, the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. Heimer was the construction engineer. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. P. Cullen & Son to Paul H. Heimer, April 30, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from J. P. Cullen to Federal Works Agency Public Buildings Administration (April 30, 1941)
A letter from J. P. Cullen to the Federal Works Agency's (FWA) Public Buildings Administration regarding photos of the construction of the Downtown Post Office. Cullen was the head of J. P. Cullen & Son, the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. The letter included four sets of photographs to apprise them of the current progress of construction. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. P. Cullen to Federal Works Agency Public Buildings Administration, April 30, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from J. P. Cullen to Charles C. Converse (May 5, 1941)
A letter from J. P. Cullen to District 4 Engineer Charles C. Converse regarding photos of the construction of the Downtown Post Office. Cullen was the head of J. P. Cullen & Son, the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. The letter included four sets of photographs to apprise them of the current progress of construction. The letter included four one set of photographs to apprise him of the current progress of construction. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. P. Cullen to Charles C. Converse, May 5, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son (April 28, 1941)
A letter from Construction Engineer Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son regarding final photographs of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son, April 28, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Senior Materials Engineer to J. P. Cullen & Son (April 23, 1941)
A letter from Senior Materials Engineer of J. P. Cullen & Son to coworkers regarding the use of Magnolia non-staining cement for the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in Downtown Orlando, Florida. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new building. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Senior Materials Engineer to J. P. Cullen & Son, April 23, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son (May 3, 1941)
A letter from Construction Engineer Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son acknowledging receipt of their letter from April 30, 1941. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new building. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen &amp
Son, May 3, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
History of Orlando Post Office Promotion
A history of how the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce petitioned the federal government to construct the new Downtown Orlando Post Office and federal court building in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1935. After a request was filed by U.S. Representative, J. Mark Wilcox (1890-1956) Orlando was placed of an eligibility list by Congress in 1936. By mid-1936, it was determined that Orlando was in need of the new federal buildings. Efforts to that end were supported by Rep. Joe Hendricks (1903-1974) and U.S. Senators Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) and Claude Pepper (1900-1989). A House bill for the Downtown Orlando Post Office was supported and taken up by the Chairman of the Committee of the Post Office, Senator James M. Mead (1885-1964), in 1937. The bill passed and a construction site was chosen in 1938. and construction itself began in 1940. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce
Original document by Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Suggested Program for Dedication of the New U. S. Post Office and Court House
The suggested program for the dedication ceremony for the new Downtown Orlando Post Office. This document includes a list of the members of the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce and a schedule of events. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original program: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews (April 7, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). The letter was written in response to Sen. Andrews' request to be informed about the history of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. Beggs states he will enclose the requested history, as well as the history of the Orlando division of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. D. Beggs to Charles O. Andrews, April 7, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Charles O. Andrews to James D. Beggs, Jr. (April 4, 1941)
A letter from Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) to the Orlando Postmaster, James D. Beggs, Jr. Sen. In the letter, Sen. Andrews requests a brief history of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. He planned to use said information to present that the dedication ceremony for the new building. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Charles O. Andrews to J. D. Beggs, April 4, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews (April 9, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946), regarding the Senator’s request to be informed about the history of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. Beggs states he has enclosed the requested history, which was prepared by the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. D. Beggs to Charles O. Andrews, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Telegram from Charles O. Andrews to James. D. Beggs (April 9, 1941)
A telegram from Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) to the Orlando Postmaster, James D. Beggs, Jr. Sen. Andrews informed Beggs that Walter D. Myers, the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General, will be participating in the dedication ceremony of the Downtown Orlando Post Office of April 15, 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original telegram from Charles O. Andrews to James. D. Beggs, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Walter D. Myers (April 9. 1941)
Original letter from J. D. Beggs to Walter D. Myers, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Telegram from Smith W. Purdum to James D. Beggs, Jr. (April 8, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Walter Meyer, the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General. In the letter, Beggs acknowledges the receipt of a telegram from Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) regarding Meyer’s participation in the dedication of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original telegram from Smith W. Purdum to James D. Beggs, Jr., April 8, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs to Charles O. Andrews (April 8, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). In the letter, Beggs informs Sen. Andrews that he has received a telegram from Smith W. Purdum, the Second Assistant Postmaster General. Beggs also inquires as to whether Sen. Andrews can determine if Kildroy P. Aldrich, Chief Post Office Inspector, will be present for the dedication of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office of April 15, 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews, April 8, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews (April 8, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). In reference to two prior letters, Beggs had prepared statistics for Sen. Andrews’ speech to be delivered at the dedication ceremony for the new Downtown Orlando Post Office . The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to H. V. Campbell (November 11, 1975)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) to H. V. Campbell, the manager of the Tampa district. The letter is regarding a memorandum from November 3, 1973, that requests any obsolete artifacts from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), to be donated to the Florida Bureau of Historical Museums. The bureau was established in 1967 when the Florida Legislature established the Florida Board of Archives and History to replace the Florida Board of Antiquities. The board included three additional bureaus: the Bureau of Archives and Records Management, the Bureau of Historic Sites and Properties, and the Bureau of Publications. In 1969, the Florida Division of Archives, History and Records Management was created to replace the board. The division was later renamed the Florida Division of Historical Resources in 1986.
Original letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to H. V. Campbell, November 11, 1975: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.