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Comments:
raymond - 2004-09-26 11:49:26 That's interesting--I had had no idea. I suppose it is federal office, after all.* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-09-27 08:39:53 Postmasters stand in line to become President should all in line ahead expire. My pal Brian's father was a postmaster appointed by President Johnson. What a beautiful certificate from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing he left behind. Who appointed the current Ypsi postmaster? Wouldn't a "Postal History of Ypsilanti" be interesting? I recall that Benjamin Woodruff was the first. Mister Hipp, deceased, who came from the Water Street/Grove Street area could have told much. He started his career as a clerk for one of the Water Street oil companies in the early 20s. He then clerked at the P.O. for decades. He knew everyone and never forgot anyone. Also, even though blind in later years, he grew fantastic tomatoes (etc.) up on N. Congress Street where he settled, in the 40s I think, until his death in the 90s. I have his specially built ladder for getting into his attic out in storage. The ladder was built by the Michigan Ladder Company, item #A975YPE1.* * * * * * * * * * * * Larry Kestenbaum - 2004-09-27 10:08:33 This has all changed now, but until about fifty years ago, the post office was a deeply political organization. When a new president came in, of a different political party than his predecessor, that meant new postmasters everywhere. For example, in 1913, East Lansing (home of what was then known as Michigan Agricultural College) was an overwhelmingly Republican town. Professor Warren Babcock was one of the very few Democrats, and when Woodrow Wilson became president, Warren Babcock became postmaster. I could say a lot more about this; if you're interested, see my essay at http://potifos.com/postal.html"> ("Going Postal? Some thoughts about postal workers").* * * * * * * * * * * * Larry Kestenbaum - 2004-09-27 10:09:47 Sorry about forgetting the close tag!* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-09-27 13:48:13 Yeah, I'm out of date. A postal worker just now told me that he thinks the method of appointment was changed in 1972 when a major post office reorganization took place. It's strictly civil service now, based on application and merit. If the Presidency were run like that, someone other than the Skull & Bones fratboy who takes orders from god might be in the Oval Office.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-09-27 13:50:49 Larry, I am definitely interested--thank you for linking to the essay; I'll read it tonight. Raymond: yes, how right you are. Learned a new thing from both of you; thank you.* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |