Exploring the United States Post Office Peekskill New York

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Saigon Central Post Office
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The United States Post Office in Peekskill, New York is a hub for locals and visitors alike. The post office is located at 50 South Division Street.

The post office serves the residents of Peekskill, providing essential services such as mail delivery and package shipping. It's also a convenient spot for sending packages and letters.

One of the unique features of this post office is its historic building, which dates back to the early 20th century. The building has been beautifully restored to maintain its original charm.

The post office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it a convenient stop for those in the area.

History and Architecture

The Peekskill Post Office has a rich history dating back to 1911 when it was first used for postal services. Three years earlier, Congress had authorized the purchase of the lot to facilitate a move from the previous location a few blocks away.

Image of Poczta Polska post office building in Ząbkowice Sląskie, Poland on a snowy day.
Credit: pexels.com, Image of Poczta Polska post office building in Ząbkowice Sląskie, Poland on a snowy day.

The current structure was authorized in 1928 and reauthorized again in 1930, with $165,000 appropriated for construction as an early response to the Great Depression. The building was begun later that year and opened in 1931.

The Peekskill Post Office was designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore, with Louis A. Simon likely contributing to its design. It uses a unique interpretation of the Colonial Revival style, with distinctly neoclassical "Adam" features, particularly the English-bond brickwork and the windows.

The Architectural Marvel

The Peekskill Post Office is a one-story rectangular building with a striking central pavilion on its south-facing facade. The central pavilion features three semicircular wood-arched windows, each crowned with keystones and rectangular blocks at the springlines.

These tripartite windows are reminiscent of the English Neoclassical architecture popularized by Robert Adam. They're unified by a fanlike recessed tympanum with radiating fluting.

The building's balustrades and cast iron fences around the window wells allow light to filter into the basement. Above the arches, raised metal letters proudly spell out UNITED STATES POST OFFICE.

The roofline is marked by a plain cornice, topped with a limestone-coped brick parapet, interrupted by stone balustrades above each of the three central bays.

A Storied Past

Post Office Facade
Credit: pexels.com, Post Office Facade

The site of the Peekskill Post Office has a rich history dating back to 1911 when it was first used for postal services. Three years earlier, Congress had authorized the purchase of the lot to facilitate a move from the previous location a few blocks away.

An existing Victorian house was modified and renovated under the plans of James Knox Taylor, marking the only time prior to World War II that the Treasury Department renovated an existing structure for postal use rather than building a new one.

The current structure was authorized in 1928 and reauthorized again in 1930, with $165,000 appropriated for construction as an early response to the Great Depression.

The building was designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore, with Louis A. Simon likely contributing to its design.

Building

The Peekskill Post Office building is a one-story rectangular structure sided in brick laid in English bond with limestone and wood trim. It's a simple yet elegant design.

Delivery Boxes with Postal Card Details
Credit: pexels.com, Delivery Boxes with Postal Card Details

The building is located on the north side of South Street, on the southeast corner of a large, triangular lot it has all to itself. The ground slopes down to the north, which is worth noting if you're planning a visit.

A row of mature oak trees screens the front of the building, adding to its charm. The trees provide a nice contrast to the building's stately appearance.

The south (front) facade features a projecting central pavilion with three semicircular wood-arched windows with keystones and rectangular blocks at the springlines. This design element is reminiscent of English Neoclassical architecture.

The two bays on the ends have regular rectangular windows with keystones and a decorative recessed panel above. The use of keystones adds a touch of elegance to the building's design.

The roofline is marked by a plain cornice, topped with a limestone-coped brick parapet interrupted by stone balustrades above each of the three central bays. This adds a nice visual interest to the building's facade.

A similar window treatment is found along the east profile of the building. The west profile has a large wing projecting outwards for the loading dock, which wraps around the north as well.

Stone steps flanked by cast iron lampposts rise to the main entrance, providing a clear path for visitors. The modern glass door is framed by projecting Doric pilasters, adding a touch of classic elegance to the entrance.

Features and Services

A Historic Post Office Building, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Credit: pexels.com, A Historic Post Office Building, Bydgoszcz, Poland

You can buy stamps at the Post Office kiosks located in the lobby. The kiosks also allow you to weigh packages.

Most Post Office kiosks are in lobbies and offer services like buying stamps, weighing packages, and printing shipping labels. You can print Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express shipping labels at these kiosks.

Bring packing tape to the kiosk and you can ship your items in their free boxes.

Inside the Post Office

As you step inside the United States Post Office in Peekskill, New York, you'll be greeted by a lobby that exudes old-world charm. The marble wainscoting and high plaster ceilings with a deep cornice create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

The lobby's marble wainscoting is a notable feature, adding to the sense of luxury and sophistication. The high plaster ceilings are a work of art in themselves, with a deep cornice that frames the space beautifully.

A Palladian window graces the inside wall, adding to the sense of grandeur and making the space feel even more impressive. The attention to detail in the building's design is evident in every aspect of the lobby.

The entrance to the postmaster's office is a work of art in itself, featuring two narrow stop-fluted pilasters supporting blocks with carved urns and a swagged frieze. This level of craftsmanship is a testament to the pride taken in the building's construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is U.S. Post Office the same as USPS?

Yes, U.S. Post Office and USPS are often used interchangeably to refer to the United States Postal Service. However, USPS is the official abbreviation and preferred term used by the agency itself.

Clara Donnelly

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Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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