BAYVILLE POST OFFICE

Post Office in 1929

"New ideas are good," says Birdene Shackelton, "But don't get any new ones from the old mail schedule." Her bit of information of the 1920's adds color to our history.

This is what she says: "In 1920 the Post Office was opened at 5:30 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. The morning mail went out at 5:45. It was transported by horse and buggy to Boothbay Harbor, then by boat to Wiscasset. The mail carrier was an old man who had to be pushed back on his wagon. I can recall nights of thick fog, stumbling home with a lantern." (Who would think that of Birdene?)

"The following year was made lighter by a new mail carrier, Capt. Harrington."

"The next and biggest event was the building of the present post office building by Mr. Clarence Backer. The day of transfer, Mr. Backer carried the postal funds and I, the stamps. We made it an occasion. Snapshots were taken. I wonder if any are in existence?"

"In 1934 there was another special affair. A wedding reception at Linekin Lodge. The flower girl, Janice, is now our assistant at the post office."

Birdene's personality makes the post office a happy meeting ground. She pretties up the place with flowers from their greenhouses.

SOURCE: "Bayville, Maine, Past and Present, Told by Those Who Know" (undated booklet)