Old Post Office (Liberty, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Post Office
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St. (SR 173), Liberty, Maine |
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| Built | 1870 |
| Architect | Carter, Rufus A. |
| Architectural style | Octagon Mode |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000149 |
| Added to NRHP | June 19, 1973 |
The Old Post Office, also known as the Old Octagonal Post Office, is a very unique building in Liberty, Maine. It's special because it's shaped like an octagon, meaning it has eight sides! Built in 1870, people in Liberty are proud to say it's "the only octagonal post office in the United States." This historic building still has its original features. Today, it's home to the Liberty Historical Society, which opens it as a museum on Saturdays during the summer. The Old Post Office was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1973, recognizing its importance.
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What Makes the Old Post Office Special?
The Old Post Office is located right in the middle of Liberty's village. You can find it on the south side of Main Street, also known as Maine State Route 173. It's just two doors down from the public library.
Its Unique Look
This building is a small, one-story structure made of wood. It has eight sides, just like an octagon! The roof is also octagonal and has a gentle slope. The outside walls are covered with clapboard siding, which are long, thin boards.
The building doesn't have a deep foundation. Instead, it sits on a small amount of rough stones that help keep it level. It's built on top of strong, hand-sawn wooden beams. These beams are about 6 by 18 inches (15 by 46 cm) thick.
Doors and Windows
The only door to the Old Post Office faces the street. This is where people would enter. The other seven walls each have a window. These windows are called sash windows, which means they can slide up and down.
A Building with a Rich History
The Old Post Office has had a few different jobs over the years. It has a fascinating story that shows how buildings can change and adapt.
From Harness Shop to Post Office
A local person named Rufus Carter built this octagonal building in 1870. He was a harness maker, and he used the building as his shop. He made and repaired harnesses for horses there.
In 1878, the building got a new owner, G.H. Cargill. At that time, Mr. Cargill was the town's postmaster. He decided to use the unique octagonal building as the local post office. It served the community as a post office until 1960.
A Museum Today
After its time as a post office, the building was taken care of by the local historical society. They now keep it as a museum. This allows visitors to step back in time and see what a post office might have looked like long ago. It's still believed to be the only octagonal post office building in the entire country!
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Waldo County, Maine
- List of United States post offices
