United States Post Office–Adel, Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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United States Post Office-Adel, Georgia
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Southwest corner
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 115 E. 4th St., Adel, Georgia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1939 |
| Architect | Simon, Louis A.; Melick, Neal A. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001319 |
| Added to NRHP | January 15, 2009 |
The United States Post Office in Adel, Georgia is a historic building. You can find it at 115 East 4th Street in Adel, Georgia. This square, one-story building was designed in the Colonial Revival style. It was built in 1939 by the Public Works Administration (PWA). Its main entrance features wide granite steps and a strong cast-iron railing. The original wooden doors have been changed over time. For many years, it served as the local post office, handling mail for ZIP Code 31620 until 2001. Because of its history and design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Today, this important building is home to the Cook County Historical Society Museum and Genealogical Library.
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A Look at the Building's Design
The Adel Post Office is a great example of Colonial Revival architecture. This style was very popular in the United States. It brought back design ideas from the early American colonial period. The building has a simple, balanced look. It uses classic shapes and details.
What is Colonial Revival Style?
Colonial Revival architecture became popular in the late 1800s. It continued to be used through the mid-1900s. Architects wanted to remember the country's past. They used elements from homes and public buildings built during colonial times. Think of grand columns, symmetrical windows, and brick or wood exteriors.
Key Features of the Adel Post Office
The Adel Post Office shows many features of the Colonial Revival style. It has a balanced shape and a simple design. The building is made of brick, which was common for this style. Its entrance is a key part of the design. The wide granite steps and cast-iron railing add to its classic look.
The Public Works Administration's Role
The Adel Post Office was built during a tough time in American history. This was the Great Depression. Many people were out of work. The government started programs to help. One of these was the Public Works Administration (PWA).
What Was the PWA?
The PWA was a government program created in 1933. Its goal was to build large-scale public works projects. These projects included dams, bridges, hospitals, and schools. Building these projects created many jobs. It also helped improve the country's infrastructure.
How the PWA Helped Adel
The PWA built many post offices across the United States. These buildings were often designed to be beautiful and long-lasting. They were meant to show the strength of the government. The Adel Post Office is one example of the PWA's work. It provided jobs for local workers. It also gave the community a modern post office.
From Post Office to Museum
The building served as Adel's post office for over 60 years. It was a busy place where people sent and received mail. It was a central part of daily life in the town.
Why the Change?
In 2001, the post office moved to a new location. This often happens as towns grow and change. Older buildings might not meet new needs. However, the historic value of the old post office was recognized.
A New Purpose for a Historic Building
After the post office moved, the building found a new purpose. It became the home of the Cook County Historical Society Museum and Genealogical Library. This is a great way to save a historic building. It also helps people learn about local history. The museum collects and shares stories about Cook County. The genealogical library helps people research their family trees.
