Anoka Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Anoka Post Office
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The Anoka Post Office viewed from the north
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 Location in Minneapolis–Saint Paul
Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 300 E. Main Street, Anoka, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | James Knox Taylor |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001180 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1979 |
The Anoka Post Office is an old building in Anoka, Minnesota. It used to be a place where people sent and received mail. This building was finished in 1916. It was designed in a special style called Colonial Revival. A famous architect named James Knox Taylor helped create its look.
The building served as a U.S. Post Office for many years. It delivered mail until 1977. After that, different businesses have used the building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it is an important historical building. It is special because it's Anoka's oldest public building still standing. It's also known for its beautiful architecture.
Contents
What the Building Looks Like
The Anoka Post Office has a special design. It shows features of the Colonial Revival style. It has a rectangular shape. The outside is made of brick. Both sides of the building look the same. It has a hip roof, which slopes on all sides. There's also a fancy trim called a dentillated cornice.
The main entrance is in the middle. It has three arched openings. Each arch has a decorative stone at the top. The doorway itself has a triangular top part called a pediment. Above the main door, there's a beautiful fan-shaped window. This window is called a fanlight.
A Look at Its History
In the early 1900s, Anoka wanted a new post office. Irving Caswell, a former postmaster, worked at a local newspaper. He teamed up with architect James Knox Taylor. Taylor had just finished working for the U.S. Treasury.
In 1911, Caswell encouraged Taylor to write articles. These articles asked for a new post office in Anoka. Their efforts worked, and building started in 1916.
Growing with the Community
The post office grew as Anoka grew. By 1925, over 600 homes received mail. The postal service hired a second mail carrier. They divided the city into two delivery routes. The number of transactions also showed growth.
In 1933, the post office handled over $23,000 in money. Five years later, this number grew to $60,000. The building employed eighteen workers by then. By 1954, the money handled was over $103,000. The number of workers had almost quadrupled.
Surviving a Tornado and War Efforts
The post office faced more than just growth. In 1939, a strong tornado hit the area. The post office was one of the few public buildings to survive. It became a safe place for people after the storm.
During World War II, the office earned a "first class" rating. This meant it was a top place to buy postage stamps. People could also buy war bonds there. These bonds helped support the U.S. military. The building also served as a place for young men to sign up for the draft.
New Building, New Era
After the war, Anoka kept growing. A new, bigger post office was needed. A new facility was built on Seventh Avenue. On October 22, 1977, the old Anoka Post Office closed its doors. It delivered its last mail parcel that day.
What Happened Next
In 1978, the government decided to sell the building. A year later, it was listed as a historic place. The cost to buy and fix up the building was high. Many groups, like the Anoka County Historical Society, couldn't afford it.
Finally, Counselor Realty bought the building. They planned to bring back its original beauty. A big challenge was the old furnace. It used coal and needed to be changed to gas. Over two years, the company spent $356,000 on repairs.
New Businesses and a Presidential Visit
In the 1990s, the building had many uses. It housed the real estate office. Other businesses also used the space. These included a charter school, a Christian center, a gym, and a coin shop.
By 2000, it became a retail space. More updates were made for shoppers. They added indoor fountains and murals. Outside, a flower garden made the area look nice. For fifteen years, it housed a tea room and bridal shop. Antique dealers and a massage parlor also moved in. Counselor Realty stayed there the whole time.
The building even made national news in 2004. President George W. Bush visited while campaigning. He spent twenty minutes signing autographs. He also met people and took photos. He tried to order an egg salad sandwich at the deli. But they couldn't make it for him! He chose the special of the day instead.
Special Anniversaries
In 2002, the United States Postal Service honored Anoka. They called it a "Sesquicentennial station." They even made a special stamp. This stamp featured a picture of the historic post office. It became a popular souvenir.
Anoka County celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007. This was another special event. In 2016, the building itself turned 100 years old.
As of 2018, the building is home to Emerald Isle Antiques & Gifts.
