POST OFFICE - Revision history

Randylyon at 01:09, 24 June 2024

2024-06-24T01:09:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:09, 24 June 2024
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	The building’s cornerstone was laid in 1932, and a dedication ceremony was held the following year. The building was occupied in early 1934. In 1985, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource within the Cathedral Historic District.		The building’s cornerstone was laid in 1932, and a dedication ceremony was held the following year. The building was occupied in early 1934. In 1985, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource within the Cathedral Historic District.

	The U.S. Post Office and ~~Courthouse~~ was designed ~~with~~ [[ART DECO ARCHITECTURE]]. The building had a form that was similar to public architecture of earlier periods, but most of the elaborate ornamentation found on buildings from previous eras was omitted. Many civic buildings constructed during the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]] display this reserved quality.		The U.S. Post Office and federal building was designed using [[ART DECO ARCHITECTURE]]. (11) The building had a form that was similar to public architecture of earlier periods, but most of the elaborate ornamentation found on buildings from previous eras was omitted. Many civic buildings constructed during the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]] display this reserved quality.

	The building consisted of a centrally placed, projecting, four-story tower flanked by three-story wings. The tower was originally designed to accommodate an observation room for the local weather bureau. The exterior ~~is clad in~~ cream-colored Bedford limestone cut into ashlar (squared and smooth) blocks. Decorative details that are consistent with typical Art Deco ornamentation ~~are~~ found on the building. These include stylized flowers, swags, dentils, and chevron (V-shaped) elements. The corners of the tower contain stylized eagle motifs that express the Federal government’s presence in Dubuque. The tall, vertical windows are evenly spaced and have bronze mullions, which are common on Art Deco architecture. The windows were separated by fluted columns.		The building consisted of a centrally placed, projecting, four-story tower flanked by three-story wings. The tower was originally designed to accommodate an observation room for the local weather bureau. The exterior features cream-colored Bedford limestone cut into ashlar (squared and smooth) blocks. Decorative details that are consistent with typical Art Deco ornamentation found on the building. These include stylized flowers, swags, dentils, and chevron (V-shaped) elements. The corners of the tower contain stylized eagle motifs that express the Federal government’s presence in Dubuque. The tall, vertical windows are evenly spaced and have bronze mullions, which are common on Art Deco architecture. The windows were separated by fluted columns.

	The interior featured several important [[MURALS]] in the lobby vestibule. The murals were funded with $2,000 of the original money allotted for construction of the building. Although a competition to select an artist was held, officials hoped to choose Grant Wood, the famous Iowa painter of “American Gothic.” When Wood did not enter the competition, William E. L. Bunn was selected. The selection was subsequently overturned in favor of a painter named Bertram Adams. As a compromise, both Bunn and Adams, who each studied and worked with Wood and were friends from the University of Iowa, were allowed to paint murals. Adams painted “Early Settlers of Dubuque” in 1936 and 1937. The painting depicted several symbols of the city’s pioneering days, such as the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] and the Mesquakie Native American village. Adams also represented the beginning of industrialization by painting the [[SHOT TOWER]] and a bridge. Bunn painted “Early Mississippi Packet ‘Dubuque III’” at the same time. His mural illustrated life in Dubuque in 1870 when steamboats were a primary method of transportation in the Midwest.		The interior featured several important [[MURALS]] in the lobby vestibule. The murals were funded with $2,000 of the original money allotted for construction of the building. Although a competition to select an artist was held, officials hoped to choose Grant Wood, the famous Iowa painter of “American Gothic.” When Wood did not enter the competition, William E. L. Bunn was selected. The selection was subsequently overturned in favor of a painter named Bertram Adams. As a compromise, both Bunn and Adams, who each studied and worked with Wood and were friends from the University of Iowa, were allowed to paint murals. Adams painted “Early Settlers of Dubuque” in 1936 and 1937. The painting depicted several symbols of the city’s pioneering days, such as the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE MONUMENT]] and the Mesquakie Native American village. Adams also represented the beginning of industrialization by painting the [[SHOT TOWER]] and a bridge. Bunn painted “Early Mississippi Packet ‘Dubuque III’” at the same time. His mural illustrated life in Dubuque in 1870 when steamboats were a primary method of transportation in the Midwest.
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	10. Hettena, Seth, "Safety Concerns Forces Halt to Post Office Tours," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 17, 1995, p. 6		10. Hettena, Seth, "Safety Concerns Forces Halt to Post Office Tours," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 17, 1995, p. 6

	11. "Lifetime Center Might Find New Home," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 28, 2006, p. 1		11.Sommer, Lawrence J. '''The Heritage of Dubuque--An Architectural View,'' The First National Bank of Dubuque, 1975, p. 143

			12. "Lifetime Center Might Find New Home," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 28, 2006, p. 1

	Kruse, Len. "...neither snow nor rain nor heat not gloom of night..." '''Dubuque Folklore II''', American Trust and Savings Bank, p. 85-89		Kruse, Len. "...neither snow nor rain nor heat not gloom of night..." '''Dubuque Folklore II''', American Trust and Savings Bank, p. 85-89

Randylyon at 01:01, 24 June 2024

2024-06-24T01:01:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:01, 24 June 2024
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	The building’s cornerstone was laid in 1932, and a dedication ceremony was held the following year. The building was occupied in early 1934. In 1985, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource within the Cathedral Historic District.		The building’s cornerstone was laid in 1932, and a dedication ceremony was held the following year. The building was occupied in early 1934. In 1985, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource within the Cathedral Historic District.

	The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was designed ~~in the Art Deco style~~. The building had a form that was similar to public architecture of earlier periods, but most of the elaborate ornamentation found on buildings from previous eras was omitted. Many civic buildings constructed during the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]] display this reserved quality.		The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse was designed with [[ART DECO ARCHITECTURE]]. The building had a form that was similar to public architecture of earlier periods, but most of the elaborate ornamentation found on buildings from previous eras was omitted. Many civic buildings constructed during the [[GREAT DEPRESSION]] display this reserved quality.

	The building consisted of a centrally placed, projecting, four-story tower flanked by three-story wings. The tower was originally designed to accommodate an observation room for the local weather bureau. The exterior is clad in cream-colored Bedford limestone cut into ashlar (squared and smooth) blocks. Decorative details that are consistent with typical Art Deco ornamentation are found on the building. These include stylized flowers, swags, dentils, and chevron (V-shaped) elements. The corners of the tower contain stylized eagle motifs that express the Federal government’s presence in Dubuque. The tall, vertical windows are evenly spaced and have bronze mullions, which are common on Art Deco architecture. The windows were separated by fluted columns.		The building consisted of a centrally placed, projecting, four-story tower flanked by three-story wings. The tower was originally designed to accommodate an observation room for the local weather bureau. The exterior is clad in cream-colored Bedford limestone cut into ashlar (squared and smooth) blocks. Decorative details that are consistent with typical Art Deco ornamentation are found on the building. These include stylized flowers, swags, dentils, and chevron (V-shaped) elements. The corners of the tower contain stylized eagle motifs that express the Federal government’s presence in Dubuque. The tall, vertical windows are evenly spaced and have bronze mullions, which are common on Art Deco architecture. The windows were separated by fluted columns.

Randylyon at 18:14, 20 February 2024

2024-02-20T18:14:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 20 February 2024
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	On March 1, 1859 the post office, according to federal law, advertised in the Express and Herald a list of all the letters left unclaimed in the post office. Broken down into a "Ladies List" and a "Gentlemen's List", the letters to be reclaimed had a charge placed on them of one cent. (2)		On March 1, 1859 the post office, according to federal law, advertised in the Express and Herald a list of all the letters left unclaimed in the post office. Broken down into a "Ladies List" and a "Gentlemen's List", the letters to be reclaimed had a charge placed on them of one cent. (2)

	[[Image:pmo.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|The first postal money order issued at the Dubuque post office ~~was issued~~ on November 1, 1864]]		[[Image:pmo.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|The first postal money order was issued at the Dubuque post office on November 1, 1864]]

	Postal employees were paid once monthly when the postal pay car arrived in Dubuque. In July, 1875 the post office clerks and mail agents (number of employees not known) were paid a total of $3,000. (3)		Postal employees were paid once monthly when the postal pay car arrived in Dubuque. In July, 1875 the post office clerks and mail agents (number of employees not known) were paid a total of $3,000. (3)

Randylyon at 18:13, 20 February 2024

2024-02-20T18:13:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 20 February 2024
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	On March 1, 1859 the post office, according to federal law, advertised in the Express and Herald a list of all the letters left unclaimed in the post office. Broken down into a "Ladies List" and a "Gentlemen's List", the letters to be reclaimed had a charge placed on them of one cent. (2)		On March 1, 1859 the post office, according to federal law, advertised in the Express and Herald a list of all the letters left unclaimed in the post office. Broken down into a "Ladies List" and a "Gentlemen's List", the letters to be reclaimed had a charge placed on them of one cent. (2)

			[[Image:pmo.png\|left\|thumb\|350px\|The first postal money order issued at the Dubuque post office was issued on November 1, 1864]]

	Postal employees were paid once monthly when the postal pay car arrived in Dubuque. In July, 1875 the post office clerks and mail agents (number of employees not known) were paid a total of $3,000. (3)		Postal employees were paid once monthly when the postal pay car arrived in Dubuque. In July, 1875 the post office clerks and mail agents (number of employees not known) were paid a total of $3,000. (3)

Randylyon at 04:39, 23 November 2021

2021-11-23T04:39:41Z

Randylyon at 15:51, 3 July 2021

2021-07-03T15:51:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:51, 3 July 2021
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	1961: The Dubuque Post Office was designated a Management Sectional Center consisting of 81 post offices in northeast Iowa. The local post office was one of 552 sectional centers in the nation.		1961: The Dubuque Post Office was designated a Management Sectional Center consisting of 81 post offices in northeast Iowa. The local post office was one of 552 sectional centers in the nation.

	1969: The Postal Annex in the ~~Kirby Building~~ was opened.		1969: The Postal Annex in the [[KIRBY BUILDING]] was opened.

	1975: Federal postal authorities decided not to build a new $2.9 million post office with 39,000		1975: Federal postal authorities decided not to build a new $2.9 million post office with 39,000

Randylyon at 15:50, 3 July 2021

2021-07-03T15:50:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 3 July 2021
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	1961: The Dubuque Post Office was designated a Management Sectional Center consisting of 81 post offices in northeast Iowa. The local post office was one of 552 sectional centers in the nation.		1961: The Dubuque Post Office was designated a Management Sectional Center consisting of 81 post offices in northeast Iowa. The local post office was one of 552 sectional centers in the nation.

	1969: The ~~[[POSTAL ANNEX]]~~ was opened.		1969: The Postal Annex in the Kirby Building was opened.

	1975: Federal postal authorities decided not to build a new $2.9 million post office with 39,000		1975: Federal postal authorities decided not to build a new $2.9 million post office with 39,000

Randylyon at 15:49, 3 July 2021

2021-07-03T15:49:57Z

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	[[Category: Postal System]]		[[Category: Postal System]]
	[[Category: Postcards]]		[[Category: Postcards]]
			[[Category: Murals]]

Randylyon at 20:46, 27 December 2018

2018-12-27T20:46:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:46, 27 December 2018
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	1969: The [[POSTAL ANNEX]] was opened.		1969: The [[POSTAL ANNEX]] was opened.

			1975: Federal postal authorities decided not to build a new $2.9 million post office with 39,000
			square feet of space. (Telegraph-Herald, December 3, 1975, p. 1)

	1978: The postal service acquired a permanent parking lot for its 50 vehicles at Fifth and Locust.		1978: The postal service acquired a permanent parking lot for its 50 vehicles at Fifth and Locust.

Randylyon at 20:33, 27 December 2018

2018-12-27T20:33:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:33, 27 December 2018
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	Consolidation of postal service in the United States led to processing being moved to Cedar Rapids. The renamed Dubuque Federal Building was taken over by the City of Dubuque in 2006. (10)		Consolidation of postal service in the United States led to processing being moved to Cedar Rapids. The renamed Dubuque Federal Building was taken over by the City of Dubuque in 2006. (10)

			For information on the establishment and operation of the postal annex, see [[KIRBY BUILDING]]

	---		---

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:39, 23 November 2021
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	On March 1, 1859 the post office, according to federal law, advertised in the Express and Herald a list of all the letters left unclaimed in the post office. Broken down into a "Ladies List" and a "Gentlemen's List", the letters to be reclaimed had a charge placed on them of one cent. (2)		On March 1, 1859 the post office, according to federal law, advertised in the Express and Herald a list of all the letters left unclaimed in the post office. Broken down into a "Ladies List" and a "Gentlemen's List", the letters to be reclaimed had a charge placed on them of one cent. (2)

	In ~~1876 a~~ post office ~~was opened in Key West~~. (3)		Postal employees were paid once monthly when the postal pay car arrived in Dubuque. In July, 1875 the post office clerks and mail agents (number of employees not known) were paid a total of $3,000. (3)

	In 1892 the post office received its first electric stamp cancelling machine. (4) It proved to be the first in the state followed in 1894 by Cedar Rapids and Burlington. The "self-everything" machine had the capability of postmarking and cancelling stamps on mixed cards and letters at a rate of 30,000 per hour or 35,000 if cards were processed only. (5) In 1896 a newer machine not as complicated as previous models was installed. The government did not own but simply rented the machine that processed 34,000 letter per hour. (6) The Dubuque post office was ~~one of 200 locations~~ in the United States to test the new canceling machine manufactured by the Barry Postal Supply Company. With the proper gearing changes, the manufacturer stated the machine could handle 60,000 letter an hour. (7)		In 1876 a post office was opened in Key West. (4)

	The Dubuque post office served many years as the depository of the postal funds for nearly one-half of the fourth class offices in Iowa. Once each quarter each postmaster was required to pay to the Dubuque office whatever balance was due the department. This amount was then sent to the sub-treasury in Chicago. Around 1891 the Dubuque post office was also made the depository for the third class money orders in the northern part of the state. In 1894 the combined collections of the two accounts amounted to several hundred thousand dollars. (8)		In 1892 the post office received its first electric stamp cancelling machine. (5) It proved to be the first in the state followed in 1894 by Cedar Rapids and Burlington. The "self-everything" machine had the capability of postmarking and cancelling stamps on mixed cards and letters at a rate of 30,000 per hour or 35,000 if cards were processed only. (6) In 1896 a newer machine not as complicated as previous models was installed. The government did not own but simply rented the machine that processed 34,000 letter per hour. (7) The Dubuque post office was one of 200 locations in the United States to test the new canceling machine manufactured by the Barry Postal Supply Company. With the proper gearing changes, the manufacturer stated the machine could handle 60,000 letter an hour. (8)

			The Dubuque post office served many years as the depository of the postal funds for nearly one-half of the fourth class offices in Iowa. Once each quarter each postmaster was required to pay to the Dubuque office whatever balance was due the department. This amount was then sent to the sub-treasury in Chicago. Around 1891 the Dubuque post office was also made the depository for the third class money orders in the northern part of the state. In 1894 the combined collections of the two accounts amounted to several hundred thousand dollars. (9)

	As Dubuque grew during the 1920s, the post office was not large enough to handle the increasing volume of mail. Rather than enlarge the existing building, city officials decided to construct a new post office. Congressman T. J. B. Robinson led the effort to secure a more appropriate postal facility. Officials determined that the new building would function as both a post office and courthouse.		As Dubuque grew during the 1920s, the post office was not large enough to handle the increasing volume of mail. Rather than enlarge the existing building, city officials decided to construct a new post office. Congressman T. J. B. Robinson led the effort to secure a more appropriate postal facility. Officials determined that the new building would function as both a post office and courthouse.
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	1985: U.S. Post Office and Courthouse listed in the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] as a contributing resource within the Cathedral Historic District		1985: U.S. Post Office and Courthouse listed in the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]] as a contributing resource within the Cathedral Historic District

	A popular spring field trip for area school children was a trip to the post office. As many as three tours were given each week. Following the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma on April 19, 1995, tours of the Dubuque post office as well as others across the United States were ended. (9)		A popular spring field trip for area school children was a trip to the post office. As many as three tours were given each week. Following the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma on April 19, 1995, tours of the Dubuque post office as well as others across the United States were ended. (10)

	Consolidation of postal service in the United States led to processing being moved to Cedar Rapids. The renamed Dubuque Federal Building was taken over by the City of Dubuque in 2006. (10)		Consolidation of postal service in the United States led to processing being moved to Cedar Rapids. The renamed Dubuque Federal Building was taken over by the City of Dubuque in 2006. (11)

	For information on the establishment and operation of the postal annex, see [[KIRBY BUILDING]]		For information on the establishment and operation of the postal annex, see [[KIRBY BUILDING]]
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	2. "List of Letters Remaining in the Dubuque Post Office," ''Express and Herald'', March 3, 1859, p. 3		2. "List of Letters Remaining in the Dubuque Post Office," ''Express and Herald'', March 3, 1859, p. 3

	3. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', September 15, 1876, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18760915&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		3. "Caught on the Fly," ''The Daily Herald'', July 31, 1875, p. 4

			4. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', September 15, 1876, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18760915&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	4. "Saves Much Labor," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', December 24, 1892, p. 4		5. "Saves Much Labor," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', December 24, 1892, p. 4

	5. "Rapid Dating," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 24, 1894, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940324&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		6. "Rapid Dating," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', March 24, 1894, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940324&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	6. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 12, 1896, p. 5		7. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 12, 1896, p. 5

	7. "Our Post Office," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', April 8, 1894, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940408&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		8. "Our Post Office," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', April 8, 1894, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940408&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	8. "Stamp Canceller," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 21, 1896, p. 8		9. "Stamp Canceller," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 21, 1896, p. 8

	9. Hettena, Seth, "Safety Concerns Forces Halt to Post Office Tours," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 17, 1995, p. 6		10. Hettena, Seth, "Safety Concerns Forces Halt to Post Office Tours," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 17, 1995, p. 6

	10. "Lifetime Center Might Find New Home," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 28, 2006, p. 1		11. "Lifetime Center Might Find New Home," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 28, 2006, p. 1

	Kruse, Len. "...neither snow nor rain nor heat not gloom of night..." '''Dubuque Folklore II''', American Trust and Savings Bank, p. 85-89		Kruse, Len. "...neither snow nor rain nor heat not gloom of night..." '''Dubuque Folklore II''', American Trust and Savings Bank, p. 85-89